CPL Associate Watch, Day 5: Ali Khan’s nuclear heat

Ali Khan was the only Associate cricketer in action on Day 5, and he treated us to a wicket celebration that Kasigo Rabada might envy, as his Trinbago Knight Riders beat the Barbados Tridents by 19 runs to remain at the top of the CPL 2020 table.

After his teammates put up 185 in the first innings, Ali once again bowled the first over for TKR, giving up 9 runs as Barbados tried to start on a winning pace. Considering the trends of this CPL season, 186 was always going to be a big ask. Ali wouldn’t come back into the attack until the 7th over, in which he held the Tridents to 5 runs, all singles. In the over, Ali reached for his bread and butter and kept Barbados on their toes with multiple yorkers. Following the efficient over, Ali was out of the attack again until the 15th, when things got interesting.

Facing Shai Hope with the first ball of the 15th, Ali again targeted yorker length, but was fought back to long off for a single, which put Jonathan Carter on strike. At this point, Barbados was facing an uphill climb needing 86 runs from 35 balls. Ali stayed over the wicket to the lefty Carter, roared in, and fired a length delivery straight into the top of leg stump which sent Carter quickly on his way. Cue fireworks! Ali then put on an “El Dorado Celebration” to remember. Repeatedly pumping his right fist in the air, shouting and launching his wrist band into reverse swing oblivion, Ali surely earned his agent a call from WWE chief Vince McMahon. Ten runs were conceded in the remainder of the over, but that’s a poor reflection of the bowling quality. On the very next ball after climbing down from the top rope, Ali got Jason Holder to inside edge, but it went for 4 runs behind square. Two balls later, Colin Munro would misjudge a skyer to midwicket and arrive too late to create a chance and that conceded 2.

After leaving the attack again, this time until the 18th over, Ali ran in from the opposite end with Barbados needing 61 from 18 to win. After a wide and a double on the first ball, Ali settled down and ended the over with 7 runs against his name. For the game, the enforcer went 4 scattered overs, allowing 32 runs and 1 submission wicket.

Always an entertainer, no matter how many are in the seats, Ali again proved to be top of the card. Keep watching Trinbago Knight Riders for more fast bowler heel-turns, and keep checking back here for Associate player updates.

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