Explosive batting takes Patriots into play-offs

On a day with several strong knocks, Chris Gayle, Rassie van der Dussen and Mahmudullah finished on the winning side. They chased down a revised target of 118 in 10.1 overs, for a seven-wicket win (DLS method) over Jamaica Tallawahs in Basseterre on Sunday, 2 September.

Asked to bat, Jamaica posted 206/6 in their 20 overs, even with captain Andre Russell being run out for just 1. Opener Glenn Phillips began the carnage with 40 off 29 balls, before Rovman Powell smashed 84 off just 40. His knock included 11 fours and four sixes.

David Miller (32 in 20) and Colin de Grandhomme (14 in 5) offered a late boost to go past 200.

Gayle began the chase in a blaze of fours off Krishmar Santokie, with the first over bringing 18 runs. With van der Dussen also getting going, the Patriots were 62/1 after the Powerplay.

When the rain began in the seventh, they were ahead of the par score, and resumed needing 53 off 4.3 overs.

Jamaica were delighted when Gayle fell for 41 off 24 balls and Ben Cutting was dismissed for a first-ball duck. But van der Dussen, dropped by Russell on 25 just before the rain break, made them pay.

He struck two sixes and four fours in his 24-ball 45, even as Mahmudullah swung his bat for 28 off 11, which included two sixes.

Admitting that the challenge was to soak in the pressure, van der Dussen said, "I knew that we could take them on after the rain. The pitch played better than last night. Because of the moisture, the ball skidded on nicely.”

“The victory is a big relief to the team and for the fans. It was important for us to get two points and now it has put us in a safe position,” added Gayle. “But we still haven't played the best that we can.”

“The rain ruined the night,” rued Russell. “We came out and we fought but it just wasn't our night. It is always nervous bowling to the Universe Boss. He is always a threat and you are only trying to keep him quiet.”