Trinbago Knight Riders’ Deandra Dottin unleashed a barrage of power, setting the tone for a thrilling victory over Barbados Royals Women in the sixth match of the WCPL 2024. Opening the innings with Harshitha Samarawickrama, Dottin announced her arrival with a colossal six off Aaliyah Alleyne, sending the ball soaring over deep mid-wicket.
Deandra Dottin goes aerial for a flying start
The seasoned all-rounder and Trinbago Knight Riders captain launched Barbados Royals Women pacer Alleyne for a huge six towards deep mid-wicket in just the fourth ball of their chase. Dottin’s soaring lofted hit cleared the rope by a few inches before the ball landed outside the boundary line.
Here’s the video
Dottin dazzles the crowd with a Massy Maximum! 6️⃣ #WCPL #BRvTKR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #WCPL24 #MassyStores pic.twitter.com/554GgeH0f0
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 28, 2024
Though her batting display couldn’t last long as Knight Riders fell with the early wickets of Samarawickrama and Dottin. Jess Jonassen attempted a recovery but was run out on the last ball of the powerplay.
Also WCPL 2024 [WATCH]: Amanda-Jade Wellington takes a stunning diving catch to remove Harshita Samarawickrama
Jemimah Rodrigues steers Trinbago Knight Riders to victory
Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as the hero for Trinbago Knight Riders, guiding her team to a nerve-wracking four-wicket win in the WCPL final against Barbados Royals. Chasing 131 for victory, Knight Riders were in trouble at 43/3, but Rodrigues’ composed 59 off 50 balls kept them alive. With six runs needed from the final over, Rodrigues calmly dispatched Hayley Matthews for a boundary, sealing Knight Riders’ triumph by four-wickets.
A dress rehearsal for the final
The match served as a dress rehearsal for the final, with Knight Riders capitalizing on sloppy fielding from Royals. Rodrigues was fortunate to survive on 43 when Djenaba Joseph fumbled at short fine leg. Knight Riders’ bowlers, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, delivered a superb performance in the Powerplay, dismantling Royals’ top order.
Barbados Royals’ innings stalls
Chamari Athapaththu‘s 70 off 63 balls provided a backbone for Royals’ innings, but they were ultimately unable to reach their target. Royals had already secured a place in the final, but Knight Riders, desperate to improve their net run rate, needed a win to stay in contention.
Rain delays and Knight Riders’ dominance
Play was briefly interrupted by rain, but Knight Riders made the most of the favourable bowling conditions. Shikha Pandey struck early, dismissing Hailey Matthews in the first over. Qiana Joseph, despite being dropped, was unable to capitalize on her opportunities and was eventually dismissed. Athapaththu held the innings together, but Royals’ innings lacked momentum.
Also WATCH: Jess Jonassen mirrors Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic ‘arm pose’ after taking a wicket in WCPL 2024
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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