Bridgetown, September 13 (HS): The Barbados Tridents registered a thrilling last-ball victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen in the 34th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at Kensington Oval, riding on a brilliant half-century from Sadrack Descartes and an all-round performance by Gudakesh Motie. With the victory, the Tridents secured their place in the playoffs. Jamaica also qualified for the playoffs as the fourth team by virtue of their superior net run rate.

Batting first, Jamaica posted 150 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Barbados scored 151 for eight in 20 overs to seal victory.

Chasing 151, Barbados made a poor start, losing three wickets for just 36 runs during the powerplay. Zachary Carter was dismissed for three, Brandon King for 18 and Rivaldo Clarke for one, leaving the team in early trouble. Sadrack Descartes and Quinton de Kock then attempted to steady the innings. However, de Kock was dismissed for 14, while Sherfane Rutherford was unfortunately run out after scoring five.

With Barbados struggling at 76 for five, Descartes switched to an aggressive approach and struck several boundaries to complete his half-century. He was dismissed by Andre Russell at the beginning of the 17th over. Daniel Sams then scored five, while Chris Green contributed a useful 17 before being dismissed. Barbados needed 17 runs from the final over to win.

In the last over, Gudakesh Motie struck a boundary followed by a six. With two runs required from the final two deliveries, Barbados managed to get the required runs and sealed the match. Motie remained unbeaten on 17 from eight balls, including two fours and a six.

Earlier, the Jamaica Kingsmen posted 150 runs. Majid Sadiqat was their top scorer, making 47 off 34 balls with three fours and two sixes. Usman Khan scored 18, Hassan Khan 16, Keacy Carty 15, Kirk McKenzie 11, Andre Russell 10, while captain Rovman Powell contributed eight runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar