Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs made a positive move towards securing a place in the playoffs of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after dismantling the St Lucia Kings by 122 runs on Sunday.
The victors followed up their 59-run victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in Guyana on Saturday, and are now almost assured of continuing in the competition.
The Saint Lucia Kings won the toss and fielded first and that backfired as they ran into an Alex Hales storm. Englishman Hales produced his career-best 119 not out to propel the Tallawahs to 201-5, a total that always looked impenetrable.
The Kings were never in the game from that moment and the Tallawahs wrapped up victory inside 15 overs, bowling the Kings out for 79.
The victors were hampered by the enforced absence of captain Brandon King, however, Hales stepped up to the plate to blaze his way to his highest individual T20 career score.
Hales, Wasim stitch significant century partnership
Hales and Imad Wasim put together a magnificent partnership of 116 from 52 balls to help set a target of 202 to win – an equation that always looked likely to be enough to secure their spot in the Caribbean Premier League eliminator.
In reply the Kings were struggling from the start of the PowerPlay, Mohammed Amir dismissed makeshift opener Roshon Primus and Leonardo Julien before Chris Green got in on the act to trap Bhanuka Rajapaksa in front for 22 and Sean Williams for a duck.
The Kings were bowled out for 79 with Chris Green the wicket-taker in chief, leading the way with a devastating spell of 4-15.
