Paul powers Kingsmen past Patriots

Keemo Paul produced an outstanding all-round performance as the Jamaica Kingsmen ended their home leg of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League with a commanding 51-run victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Tuesday.

Paul smashed 65 from 36 balls to rescue the Kingsmen from early trouble and propel them to 181 for six before returning to claim three for 30 as the Patriots were dismissed for 130 in 18 overs.

The victory was the Kingsmen’s second in succession after losing their opening three matches and lifted them to four points from five games.

They had found themselves in immediate trouble after Saurabh Netravalkar removed Kirk McKenzie and Keacy Carty without scoring in the opening over.

The slide continued and the hosts were 54 for four in the eighth over before Paul and captain Rovman Powell turned the innings around with a 99-run fifth-wicket partnership.

Paul accelerated dramatically after a measured start, eventually striking five sixes and five fours, while Powell contributed 49 from 39 balls.

Andre Russell added an unbeaten 14 from seven deliveries to help push the total beyond 180.

The Patriots never mounted a serious challenge in reply.

They slipped to 31 for three in the fifth over and then 64 for five, with Paul accounting for Kyle Mayers before returning later to remove Wanindu Hasaranga and Obed McCoy.

Kevin Wickham offered some resistance with 37 from 34 balls, but the Patriots were eventually bowled out with two overs remaining.

Paul was named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution with both bat and ball.

(CMC)