West Indies‘ lower-order batsman Kevon Cooper displayed brilliant cricketing sense as his late firework allowed Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to register a thrilling 3-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2017 final on Saturday. In what was a low-scoring thriller at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, Patriots were on top until Cooper’s finishing skills deprived them of the title. It was Trinidad’s second CPL title.
Earlier, TKR skipper Dwyane Bravo elected to bowl. Patriots were off to a shaky start, losing opener and skipper Chris Gayle for a mere single in the second over. Mohammad Hafeez too faltered on the big night, thereby adding to Patriots’ woes. The team lost half the side at 65. A healthy 49-run stand between Jonathan Carter and Carlos Brathwaite, steadied their ship and took the score to respectable figures.
Mohammad Nabi and Brathwaite’s late blitz steered Patriots to 135 for 6. Carlos remained unbeaten on 30, while Nabi contributed 18 off 5 deliveries. As for TKR, Javon Searles and Kevon Cooper shared two wickets apiece.
In reply, TKR were off to shaky start. Colin Munro and Hamza Tariq weathered the early storm and moved the scoreboard forward, before Munro fell for 29. The middle-order failure kept Patriots on top for most part of the chase.
Denesh Ramdin and Cooper stood tall amidst tense situation. They ensured to hold their ends and play sensibly before unleashing the onslaught after the 17th over. Cooper brought down the equation to 22 off 12 deliveries with some aerial shots.
It was the penultimate over from Ben Hilfenhaus which turned tides emphatically towards Bravo’s camp. A couple of wides, no-ball, free hit and a six narrowed the target to 2 off 8 balls. As a result, TKR kept their nerves and pulled off a heist with an over to spare.
Cooper was adjudged the Man of the Match for his vital cameo.
Brief scores:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 135 for 6 in 20 overs (Carlos Brathwaite 30*; Kevon Cooper 2 for 12) lost to Trinbago Knight Riders 136 for 7 in 19 overs (Colin Munro 29, Kevon Cooper 29*; Mohammad Hafeez 2 for 19) by 3 wickets.
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