McKenzie sparks Sabina triumph for Kingsmen

An explosive batting display from Kirk McKenzie powered the Jamaica Kingsmen to their first win of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as the hosts secured a five-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders at Sabina Park tonight.

Chasing 183, the Kingsmen made a rapid start, with McKenzie smashing 69 off 25 balls, including six fours and six sixes, to set Jamaica on course for 183-5.

McKenzie's innings was supported by Reeza Hendricks, who made 37 from 29 balls, as the pair added 93 runs before the first wicket fell.

Jamaica's chase appeared to stall when Shayan Jahangir (2 off 4) and Keacy Carty (11 off 14) were dismissed in the eighth and 13th overs, respectively.

However, captain Rovman Powell (29 off 22) and Andre Russell (27 off 15) steadied the innings and guided Jamaica to victory.

Usman Tariq's impressive spell for the Knight Riders was not enough to deny the Kingsmen victory, as he claimed 3-21 from three overs.

The Kingsmen have now won one of their opening four matches, while the Knight Riders suffered their first defeat of the season after opening with a victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Earlier, a 67-run partnership between Kieron Pollard and captain Nicholas Pooran helped the Knight Riders post what appeared to be a challenging total.

Pollard and Pooran both scored 44 as the Knight Riders finished on 182-6.

Pollard was characteristically the more destructive of the pair, reaching his total from just 22 deliveries, including three sixes and four fours. Pooran was also aggressive, scoring 44 from 32 balls with one six and four fours.

Alex Hales contributed 29 from 21 deliveries, while Sunil Narine's unbeaten 19 off eight balls and Jyd Goolie's 14 off nine helped the Knight Riders establish a strong platform.

Russell again produced a strong bowling performance for the Kingsmen with 2-34, while Hunain Shah was Jamaica's most successful bowler with 2-31.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com