Ahmed, McCullum take Knight Riders to CPL 2018 final
The Knight Riders were asked to bat in the second semi-final, and despite losing Colin Ingram (5) early, McCullum’s 26-ball knock, which included three sixes and two fours, helped them to 79 in 11 overs.
They lost wickets in quick succession after McCullum's departure, though, with none of the batsmen able to stick around and power a big total. Colin Munro (29 off 31), Denesh Ramdin (27* off 25), Darren Bravo (20 off 18) and Dwayne Bravo (24 off 8) chipped in with small contributions, pushing the total to 165/6.
Best of the action as the Knight Riders strike through the Patriots middle order to swiftly seal a 20 run victory #cpl18 #Biggestpartyinsport #TKRvSKP #Roadtothefinal pic.twitter.com/u6XTo80XtK
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 15, 2018
The chase never really took off. Chris Gayle was dismissed for nought by Ali Khan, and the 30s from Devon Thomas (35 off 26), Brandon King (33 off 22) and Fabian Allen (32* off 19) were far from sufficient. They needed 27 runs in the final over, but managed just six, and the Knight Riders sealed a 20-run win.
Ahmed was declared the Player of the Match for his 3/13, which took the sting out of the chase. He dismissed the dangerous Evin Lewis (4), Anton Devcich (6) and Ben Cutting (2).
“I really enjoyed the performance. We lost the last two games and we needed something special to bounce back,” he said. “(It) was a proper team effort as the batsmen chipped in and the bowlers responded.”
Ahmed said he “just kept it simple” and is now looking forward to the final. “It doesn't matter where I bowl as I am feeling good and it's coming out nicely from the hand these days. If the captain calls me in the Powerplay, I don't mind it as I have practised with the new ball as well in the nets.”
He also came in for high praise from his captain, Dwayne Bravo. “Fawad was really brilliant,” Bravo said. “He is a special talent and I hope he gets to play Australia really soon. He is a big difference and each time I want him to get a wicket, he does so.”
Bravo also dedicated the win to Sunil Narine, who returned 2/21 in four overs. “I want to point out Sunil Narine who took three injections to play this game and put on a fighting performance. He did it for the fans and this game is for him.”
The Knight Riders will clash against Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final on Sunday at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.