Tallawahs looking to capitalise on good start
The Jamaica Tallawahs will enter this evening’s encounter against hosts Trinbago Knight Riders in a positive frame of mind, following their opening match win against the St Lucia Zouks yesterday.
The Rovman Powell-led Tallawahs put in a workmanlike performance in their opening fixture to carve out a five-wicket win over the Zouks, thanks to two wickets each from Veerasammy Permaul and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and decent knocks from their overseas batsmen Glen Phillips, who made 44, and new Pakistani recruit Asif Ali, who got an unbeaten 47.
Captain Rovman Powell contributed a quick-fire 17-ball 26, while Andre Russell got 16 and Carlos Brathwaite was not out on 18 as the Tallawahs chased down the 159 needed in their allotted 20 overs.
It was a total turnaround for the Tallawahs from last season, where they had to wait until their fifth game to claim a win.They would add only one more win to that to finish with eight losses at the bottom of the table.
Powell was elated that the Tallawahs got off to a winning start and praised a total team effort for the victory.
“We came here to get two points and glad to get it. Nice to get a positive start. Was really pleased to see the guys bowl, especially in the back end to set it up nicely for the batsmen. I think the only tough part in the pitch was to get started, once you got in, it got easier,” said Powell.
The new captain said the team has been gelling together nicely and he is relishing the role of leading the exciting bunch.
“It’s been challenging (the captaincy) but we’ve been getting enough training and preparation. I’m definitely excited about this role,” said Powell.
Next up for the Tallawahs will be the hosts Trinbago Knight Riders who are also coming off an opening match win against the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
The Jamaican franchise will be mindful of the early form of Sunil Narine who has been miserly with the ball claiming two for 19 and prolific with the bat, hitting a 28ball 50 against the Warriors. The Tallawahs will be banking once more on Ali, Russell, and captain Powell with the bat, while they may tinker with their bowling attack with several left-handers in the Knight Riders top order. Match time is 4:30 p.m. (Jamaica time).