The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, lifted his own trophy as the
Patriots won the inaugural Men’s SKYEXCH 6IXTY. In the poetry of cricket, Gayle
was dropped twice in one over before he hit the winning runs to see his team over the line.
You couldn’t have scripted it better. It was written in the stars.
When put in to bat in the Men’s final the Trinbago Knight
Riders had a tricky start to their innings losing two early
wickets and finding themselves 6/2 after just nine balls. Sunil
Narine, who had batted so brilliantly in the semi-final,
was dismissed without scoring before some incredible wicketkeeping
from Da Silva saw the back of Tion Webster.
Andre Russell looked to be the difference and was striking the
ball well, but a stunning piece of fielding put an end to his
efforts before Terrance Hinds and Seekkuge Prasanna were both sent packing. Resistance
in the form of an unbeaten 37 from Tim Seifert meant the Patriots needed 85 to win.
The chase started with gusto from the Patriots who unlocked the extra
Powerplay for the first time in the tournament and they raced to 43/0 after just 20
balls. Russell made the initial breakthrough bowling Lewis for 21 and Narine made light
work of Dewald Brevis who went without scoring. But the excitement really started
when the Universe Boss strolled out to bat.
With a trophy named after him and eternal bragging
rights on the line, he came out with his usual intent and
went aerial. This always has its dangers and with just
13 needed from 12 the ball found Jayden Seales, who
dropped him before just two balls later he was also
dropped by Anderson Phillip.
With seven needed off the final over, Gayle and Fletcher
rotated strike until with four required, it was the man
after whom the trophy was named to face. In his usual
style, he swung hard and found the boundary on the on
side. As the ball raced away for four, the Patriots were
already celebrating, and Gayle’s wry smile was just an
indication of what it meant to win the inaugural title
and lift a trophy named after him.