Table of Contents
- Saint Lucia Kings’ batting struggles and Roston Chase’s resilience
- Crucial partnership between Chase and Sikandar Raza
In the CPL 2023 eliminator, the Jamaica Tallawahs secured an impressive victory by five-wickets over the Saint Lucia Kings. Fabian Allen played a pivotal role in this thrilling encounter, contributing significantly with both the ball and a memorable dance celebration. Allen’s exceptional bowling performance and unique celebration after dismissing Sikandar Raza were the highlight of the match.
Saint Lucia Kings’ batting struggles and Roston Chase’s resilience
Facing the challenge of setting a competitive total, the Kings encountered early batting difficulties. Their openers, Johnson Charles and Colin Munro, fell early in the powerplay. However, Roston Chase‘s impressive batting at number four provided stability and momentum to their innings. Chase’s resilient knock of 40 runs from 36 balls was a key component of the Kings’ innings.
Crucial partnership between Chase and Sikandar Raza
Facing adversity at 5/65, the Kings were at risk of collapsing to a below-par total. Nevertheless, Chase found an able partner in the experienced Raza. Raza’s quickfire innings of 19 runs from just 12 balls, featuring three blazing fours, played a vital role in adding 29 valuable runs to the Kings’ total in just seventeen balls. This partnership swiftly propelled the team to 94 runs.
Also READ: Kevin Pietersen reveals his top 5 contenders for the ODI World Cup 2023
Allen’s game-changing delivery to dismiss Raza and celebration aftermath
As the Kings appeared to be gaining momentum, Allen delivered a game-changing moment with an absolute ripper of a delivery.
In the third delivery of the 16th over, Allen unleashed a delivery that can only be described as a spinner’s delight. He fired in a full-length delivery targeting the off stump. Initially, it appeared to be angling in, luring the batter into a false sense of security. Nonetheless, as the ball made contact with the pitch, it exhibited remarkable grip and sharp turn.
The sudden deviation of the ball left Raza, the Kings’ batter, utterly bamboozled. Raza’s outside edge remained unscathed as the ball spun sharply away from it. In a mesmerizing display of spin bowling artistry, the ball went on to crash emphatically into the off stump, sending it cartwheeling in the process. The crowd erupted in awe, recognizing the sheer brilliance of Allen’s delivery.
But Allen wasn’t done. After engineering this pivotal breakthrough, he added an exclamation point to his performance with an exuberant celebration. His dance moves were a sight to behold, injecting a burst of energy and excitement into the game. It was a moment of pure joy and passion, as Allen reveled in his contribution to the Tallawahs’ cause. He again shown the same moves after cleaning up Chase in the last ball of the same over.
Here’s the video:
Fabian Allen is on fire… and so are his feet! How do you describe this celebration?
2 in the over, a clear @BetBarteronline Magic Moment 🔥#CPL23 #SLKvJT #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #BetBarter pic.twitter.com/ZSFgUGcPng— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 20, 2023
Khary Pierre’s late flourish and Allen’s outstanding bowling
As the innings progressed, Khary Pierre‘s late flourish, featuring an unbeaten 13-run cameo off just eight balls, added valuable runs to the Kings’ total and took them to 125/9. Allen’s figures of 4/25 played a pivotal role in the Tallawahs’ comeback and eventual victory.
Jamaica Tallawahs’ confident start and Raymon Reifer’s calm finish
In pursuit of a 126-run target, the Tallawahs got off to a strong start with openers Brandon King and Alex Hales. Their 43-run opening partnership set the tone for the chase. Despite some hiccups, Raymon Reifer’s calm and composed batting in the middle overs ensured the Tallawahs secured their place in the second qualifier. Reifer’s unbeaten 30 runs off 32 balls guided the team to victory in just 17.2 overs with five wickets in hand.
Upcoming clash in Qualifier 2
In Qualifier 2, the Tallawahs will lock horns with the winner of Qualifier 1. The Qualifier 1 match is scheduled to take place between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders on Wednesday (September 20).
