CPL 2024: Miller’s blitz propels Royals past TKR in eliminator

A floodlight failure at the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana caused a shortened eliminator match in the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Tuesday night.

The two-hour delay led to a revised target of 60 runs in five overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method for the Barbados Royals, who chased it down with four balls to spare, thanks largely to David Miller's blistering 50 off 17 balls, which included five sixes and three fours.

The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), having won the toss, posted 168 for three off 19.1 overs before the lights went out. Nicholas Pooran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 91 off 60 balls, supported by Kieron Pollard (17) and Andre Russell (20). Jason Roy contributed 25 from 17 balls, while Sunil Narine was dismissed for two in the opening over.

Though the Royals' bowlers struggled to claim wickets, they managed to restrict the Knight Riders to a total that would have been within reach. The floodlight failure, however, seemed to put their 2024 campaign in jeopardy until the match resumed with the revised target.

In the chase, Narine bowled Quinton de Kock for four in the first over, but Miller immediately countered with a six off the next ball. Miller’s aggressive approach dominated the shortened contest, including a 106-meter six off Narine and 17 runs off a single Chris Jordan over. With eight runs required in the final over, Miller sealed the win with back-to-back sixes off Terence Hinds, securing the Royals' place in the second eliminator. Miller was named Player of the Match.

Scores: Trinbago Knight Riders 168-3 (19.1 overs); Barbados Royals 64-1 (4.2.5 overs. Target 60).

Wednesday’s schedule: 6:00 pm: Qualifier 1 – Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Lucia Kings at Guyana National Stadium.