Lennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
It is early days yet, but the Jamaica Tallawahs are sitting pretty atop the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) standings for the first time since their title-winning exploits many years ago.
The Tallawahs will get their second taste of T20 action when they face off with the Guyana Amazon Warriors who will be playing their first match of the tournament today at 9 a.m. Jamaica time.
The Rovman Powell-led Jamaican franchise was imperious in their opening fixture of the tournament, coming out easy winners against the defending champions St Kitts and Nevis Patriots who find themselves with two losses already in the competition.
There is no doubt that this year’s Tallawahs team has more depth, at least on paper, with power hitters at the top, complemented by stroke makers and finishers.
One of those stroke makers is opener Brandon King who lit up the opening fixture with a man-of-the-match performance of 89 from 57 balls in a formidable Tallawahs total of 183 for two.
For King, getting off to a good start is always pleasing in a fast-paced tournament such as the CPL.
“I am extremely happy playing my first game for my new home franchise and fortunately it worked out for me. It wasn’t easy at first but I stuck to it and luckily I came out on top,” said King.
Along with King, much is also expected from the big-hitting opener Kennar Lewis, who despite a slow start, managed to chalk up 48 runs in the opening contest.
Much is also expected of wicket-keeper batsman Amir Jangoo and Shamarh Brook who didn’t get a knock in game one.
For captain Rovman Powell, a good start is key to success in the tournament.
“It’s important for us to start well because it’s a short competition and once you get the momentum you have to ride that wave.”
Powell made it clear that every player will get a chance to showcase their all-around skills as he spoke about Fabian Allen not getting a bowl against the Patriots.
“When a team has a lot of left-handers we try not to give them too much left-arm spin, cricket has reached a stage where you play match-ups so we are looking for different match-ups on different days and maybe today, you never know Fabian might come in to slip in a few.”
In the meantime, the Amazon Warriors and their new captain Shimron Hetmyer will be looking to get off to a winning start against the Tallawahs. They will be banking on their overseas recruits Colin Ingram, Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi along with two Jamaicans in their squad, Jermaine Blackwood and Odean Smith.