CPL 2023: Powell (67* off 29) fires Royals to Warner Park heist
The Patriots got their innings off to a lightning start led by Andre Fletcher’s sparkling strokeplay, the Spiceman’s 360 cricket allowing the Patriots to reach 56 at the end of the Powerplay, but they lost two wickets in the process.
Rahkeem Cornwall induced a mis-timed stroke from Evin Lewis, the opener sweeping only as far as Kyle Mayers for 8 before Joshua Da Silva was run out for five chasing a quick second run.
Outside of the Powerplay the Patriots run scoring slowed significantly, Fletcher and Sherfane Rutherford only putting on 39 runs from 34 balls before Nyeem Young dismissed Rutherford caught and bowled for 28.
Fletcher followed shortly afterwards having just got to his 50, Qais Ahmad trapping him lbw. That was only the beginning of Ahmad’s work as he cleaned up Jyd Goolie to leave the Patriots teetering at 111-5.
Powerful late order hitting from Corbin Bosch (38* off 12) and Dominic Drakes (20* off 14) ensured the Patriots ended with momentum on their side, with a stiff target of 198 for the Royals to chase.
If the Royals were going to chase the total they would need a fast start and they got that and then some with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 38 from 15 balls to give the reply the impetus it needed.
Having reached 74 at the end of the Powerplay the Royals were well ahead of the game, but Kyle Mayers fell shortly after that to open the door for the Patriots.
The Patriots couldn’t apply further wicket taking pressure but even so with the Royals poised at 150-3 with five overs to go, the match seemed set for a tight finish.
However, captain Rovman Powell saw his side home with a destructive 67 from 29 balls to guide the Royals home with nine balls to spare. (CPL)