TKR VS BR ELIMINATOR

Right then, that is it from this eventful game where Barbados Royals eliminate Trinbago Knight Riders. Next up in the Caribbean Premier League 2024 is the Qualifier 1 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings. That game is scheduled on 3rd October, Thursday at 4.30 am IST (11 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Rovman Powell, the victorious skipper of Barbados Royals says that luck was on their side. Adds that in the break they thought it was over, but once the light came back on it was theirs to lose needing 60 in 5 overs. Adds that with him and Quinton de Kock opening, they wanted to use the 2-over Powerplay to the fullest. Tells they were looking to score 25-30 runs in that phase, and it was great to see the experienced players stepping up. Praises Miller for his knock and says that is unfortunate for TKR to bowl out this way. Ends by saying that bowling has been their bright spot and in a tournament like this, you need a little bit of luck as well.

Kieron Pollard, the captain of Trinbago Knight Riders says that they were talking about the rules in case the lights did not come on. Adds that they were asked the question but it would have been dangerous for both sides to play in less light. Tells that you prepare for every circumstance and credits Miller for the way he batted. Mentions that he is still proud of his team, obviously, it would have been hard for the Royals to chase if it was a full game, but you cannot control these factors. Ends by saying that the determination and dedication shown by Pooran is incredible and they expect the same from the youth coming into the team.

David Miller is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. He says that it was an unusual game but they cannot control those factors. Adds that he hit a few from the middle of the bat and it felt nice. Mentions that they had a lot of chat while waiting, talked about flights and whether the light would come back or not. thankfully it did in time. Says that he has moved on from the World Cup and this felt like a Quarter Final and he is happy to be on the winning side when at one point they thought they were going home. Ends by saying that they want to take this winning momentum forward in the next game.

Presentation Time...

When Trinbago Knight Riders were at 168/3 in 19.1 overs, the floodlights went off and the play was halted. We had to wait for a long time and it looked like that this game was about to be called off. If that had happened, TKR would have qualified but it was just not meant to be for them this season. The lights got back on just in time for a 5-over chase where the Royals and especially Miller took the game away from them.

Earlier in the game, after choosing to bat first, Trinbago Knight Riders. After getting into bat, they were off to a scintillating start thanks to some early fireworks from Roy and Pooran. However, the former fell in the final ball of the Powerplay. Kieron Pollard promoted himself up the order and it felt like Trinbago Knight Riders would keep the intent going but instead, we saw them go into a shell and go cautiously in the middle phase. The idea was to keep wickets in hand and go wallop in the slog overs, Trinbago Knight Riders lost Pollard and Andre Russell struggled at the back end but the man who can't do much wrong this season found a way or two to accelerate his innings at the right time and score an unbeaten 91 off 60.

The chase was cut down to 5 overs and the Royals needed 60. They lost Quinton de Kock early and looked a bit shaky. Then Chris Jordan thought he removed Rovman Powell only to overstep on that crucial ball. Even though Powell did not do much damage after that, David Miller completely took control of this game and smashed Jordon for 17 in one over which changed the momentum of the game. Miller made sure that he finished the job and stayed unbeaten on a magnificent 50 off just 17 balls. Sunil Narine was the only wicket-taker for TKR, but they needed a lot more than that.

BARBADOS ROYALS HAVE DONE IT! A bizarre game but they have finally broken their 4-match losing streak against Trinbago Knight Riders and that too in a do-or-die game. You have to feel for Trinbago Knight Riders as well. With Nicholas Pooran at the crease and in the form of his life, those 5 balls that got wasted in their innings could have made a massive difference in this game.

SIX! David Miller finishes things off in style here! He gets to his half-century as well. Pitched up and outside off, David Miller crouches low, swings through the line and deposits it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie. Barbados Royals win by 9 wickets (DLS) and book their spot in the Qualifier 2!

SIX! SMOKED! Does not matter who is bowling, Miller is not sparing anyone! Fuller and on middle and off, David Miller picks up the length early and drags his heave over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Just 2 needed for Barbados Royals now!

Who will Kieron Pollard turn to for this crucial last over to save their season? It will be Terrance Hinds. Can he defend 7 runs here? Don't forget we can also get a Super Over here.

Overpitched and on off, David Miller drills it towards long off for a single. 17 runs off the over!

SIX! Up, up and away! David Miller is playing a blinder here! Chris Jordan misses the yorker again and bowls a juicy full toss, on middle. The form that Miller is in is always going to disappear and he thumps it way over the long on fence for another biggie. 9 off 7 now!

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Killer Miller is back! Pitched up and around middle, in the slot as well, David Miller stays deep in his crease and smashes it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 15 off 8 now!

FOUR! Put away! Chris Jordan misses his mark and bowls a full toss, outside off, David Miller pounces on this one and muscles it through extra covers for a boundary. Barbados Royals need 19 in 9 balls now!

Precious dot! An excellent wide yorker, outside off and just inside the tramline, David Miller throws his bat at it but misses.