In the CPL’s inaugural match in St. Lucia on Wednesday, August 16, Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Amir was left astonished when all-rounder Roshon Primus smashed an enormous six. The occurrence took place during the 17th over of the second inning in the showdown between the reigning champions Jamaica Tallawahs and the host team St. Lucia Kings.
Representing the Tallawahs, Amir delivered an innocuous short-of-length ball which Primus skillfully pulled towards the cow-corner area, sending the ball soaring over the boundary. The experienced player was left in disbelief as he witnessed the ball clearing the stands. Watch the video of the colossal shot, followed by Amir’s ensuing reaction:
Amir, the fourth leading wicket-taker of the previous season with 16 wickets in 11 matches, was hit all over the ground. He ended with 0/47 in four overs and conceded another six on the second ball of his next over. Thankfully for the Tallawahs, the goal was beyond the Kings’ reach, resulting in an 11-run deficit.
The defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs started their campaign with a victory
Primus SMASHES Mohammed Amir with a 96 meter six for our @republicbanktt play of the day! #CPL23 #SLKvJT #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #RepublicBank pic.twitter.com/nPhn1RBI6Q
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 17, 2023
In the season opener, the Jamaica Tallawahs commenced their CPL title defence with a relatively convincing 11-run triumph over the St. Lucia Kings. After securing their third title last year with three consecutive playoff wins, the team seeks to become the league’s second side to win back-to-back championships. They chose to bat first and posted a formidable 187 runs in 20 overs.
Guided by their new captain and in-form player Brandon King, they excelled. King scored a remarkable 81 off 53 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes. In response, the Kings lost wickets regularly, reaching 104/5 after 14 overs.
Still, a late effort from all-rounders Roshon Primus and Roston Chase briefly unsettled the Tallawahs. Together, they garnered 61 runs from 29 deliveries, reducing the needed runs to 19 in the final over. However, Pakistan’s fast bowler Salman Irshad remained composed and dismissed Chase on the opening ball of the final over, effectively extinguishing the hope of successfully completing the chase.
King received the Player of the Match award for his impressive innings, helping the defending champions start their campaign successfully. He also played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 85 runs in a crucial T20I that secured West Indies’ series victory against India.
They’ll have a rematch against Barbados Royals on Sunday, August 20, following last season’s final. In the meantime, the St. Lucia Kings will confront Barbados Royals at home on Thursday, August 17.
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