The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 Eliminator between Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and Barbados Royals (BR) experienced an unusual floodlight failure at the end of the first innings on Monday, October 1. After winning the toss, TKR batted first, scoring 168/3 in 19.1 overs, with Nicholas Pooran not out on 91 and Andre Russell on 20*.
However, a light tower malfunction occurred just before the next delivery, leading to a lengthy two-hour delay. The match seemed likely to be abandoned, which would have allowed TKR to progress to Qualifier 2. Fortunately, the light tower was restored just in time, and the run-chase was shortened to five overs, with BR needing 60 runs to win.
Barbados achieved the target in just 4.2 overs, losing only one wicket, as David Miller scored an unbeaten 50 off 17 balls. As a result, four-time CPL champions TKR were eliminated from the tournament. Barbados will now compete against the loser of the Qualifier between Guyana Warriors and St. Lucia Kings.
The responses of the two captains to the floodlight failure
TKR captain Kieron Pollard mentioned that discussions with the umpires during the floodlight failure focused on the cut-off time and the feasibility of playing without the light tower functioning.
Following the disappointing loss, Pollard addressed the media at the post-match presentation: “At that time, they were speaking the rules if the light doesn’t come back on. Playing conditions and all of that, the time that is allotted for us to get a match. Just normal things that you speak about in unforeseen circumstances.”
“(Any consideration as to play with one light tower not working) The conversation and the question was asked. But when you look at the conditions, it was dark and it was going to be dangerous for both teams.”
“If someone was to get injured in that light or whatever the case is for the sake of cricket, then it would have been hard. At the end of the day, the groundstaff and the persons in charge did what they had to do in order to get a game of cricket in.”
“Obviously with the rules, we got a game and here we are now. You prepare for any circumstance. If it had rained, it would have been the same. Once the light was on, we were always ready and willing to play within the rules and regulations of the game,” he added.
Winning captain Rovman Powell admitted that his team was fortunate to secure the victory after the interruption.
“It’s a case of us getting lucky tonight to be honest. At one point, we thought we were out of the competition when the light started giving problems.”
“Once the light came back on, it was our game to lose. 5 overs, 60 runs, not very difficult. It’s a difficult one, it’s unfortunate that lights went off. It would have been a beautiful game of cricket but I would say that those things happen,” said Powell.
Barbados will face either Guyana Warriors or St. Lucia Kings in Qualifier 2 in Guyana on Friday, October 4, with the final scheduled for the same location on Sunday, October 6.
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