9:45 pmThat's it from us tonight. Last year the CPL had a breakout American sensation in Ali Khan who helped bowl Trinbago Knight Riders to the title. And now USA has provided another with Hayden Walsh Jr. bowling the Tridents into the playoffs. What else is in store from him? Come back and join us through the end of the season. On behalf of Ankur Dhawan and the scoring team led by Raghav, I'm ESPNcricinfo's resident American on commentary Peter Della Penna signing off. Take care!
Zouks captain Darren Sammy: "We've seen the games that are played here and know how difficult it was to chase but with that said, with the start we got in the Powerplay getting 60 runs up front, we should have won the game. It's been that type of season where we relied mostly on Cornwall, and probably Fletcher and Colin [Ingram] to a lesser extent. The middle order has not fired. Myself as captain have really failed the team and today it was a golden opportunity for me to redeem myself, come out and win the game and I didn't. I take full responsibility for that. Plenty of hearts are hurting in the dressing room right now. Congratulations to the four teams that have made it to the playoffs but I'm bitter because I thought Zouks could have been one of those."
Tridents captain Jason Holder: "We won the most important game today. It was obviously a tough game for us. At the halfway stage I thought we were just on par and it proved to be just enough in the end. It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. From the reports of all our batters, it was two-paced, variable bounce. I think our bowlers did an exceptional job to defend it and credit must go to our bowling unit. In a game like this, I think it's a matter of which team holds their nerve at the end. I'm extremely happy with Hayden. He's been on the sideline for a long time and it's great to see him get an opportunity and just holding it. We lost Sandeep and he's filled the gap for us quite nicely. He's bowled exceptionally well in some tough circumstances in difficult times and he's held his nerve and delivered for us."
The Tridents now take a lap of honor around the outfield sans Walsh Jr. who has been named Man of the Match and is doing the on-field interview for TV: "I wish I can take [this pitch] anywhere. Just pick it up, put it in my bag and go! I knew I was being brought in to take some wickets so all I had to do was relax and do my thing. We were confident 140, we didn't make 120 on this pitch so anything can happen. I toss it up but it has a lot of revs on it so it's up to you if you want to take a risk. I'm loving every bit of this tournament. It's a dream come true."
9:20 pm Walsh Jr. leaps into the arms of Holder, who hoists up the American leggie while pointing to the raucous fans celebrating in the stands at Kensington Oval. Huge high fives now between Walsh Jr. and his keeper Charles as they now walk off the field to huge cheers.
Fawad Ahmed c Holder b Walsh 1 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
Lovemore Gwenzi: "America got talent... From the commentary on ESPN to the field of play.. What a wonderful young player delivering at the crucial moment of the game." Howie Mandel would no doubt be a fan of Mr. Walsh Jr.'s performance tonight.
END OF OVER:18 | 1 Run 1 Wkt | SLK: 115/9 (27 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 6.38, RRR: 13.50)
- Jeavor Royal2 (3b)
- Harry Gurney4-0-17-3
- Hayden Walsh3-0-24-3
KOK Williams c Duminy b Gurney 0 (5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Back over the stumps now.
Around the stumps now.
END OF OVER:17 | 1 Run 3 Wkts | SLK: 114/8 (28 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 6.70, RRR: 9.33)
- Kesrick Williams0 (1b)
- Jeavor Royal1 (1b)
- Hayden Walsh3-0-24-3
- Harry Gurney3-0-16-2
Hat-trick ball to Royal. No slip.
K Santokie c Duminy b Walsh 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Walsh Jr. now the leading wicket-taker in CPL 2019. And he's missed quite a few games sitting behind Lamichhane.
DJG Sammy c Greaves b Walsh 1 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 25.00