WATCH: Alick Athanaze smashes six with delightful reverse sweep against Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2023

CPL 2023 (Source- Twitter)

Barbados Royals batter Alick Athanaze helps his side beat the Jamaica Tallawahs by six wickets in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Earlier in the game, the Royals won the toss and opted to field first, and it proved to be an inspired decision. The Tallawahs' batting first didn’t start well as Brandon King was dismissed in the second over of the innings. The Jamaica based side lost three wickets in the Powerplay of the game, although they had a good recovery as Shamarh Brooks played an impressive innings of 78 (41) along with Imad Wasim's 33 (24). 

In reply, Barbados didn’t have a great opening partnership. They also faced the same problem as the Tallawahs, they lost key wickets in the Powerplay. But the 24-year-old West Indies batter Athanaze had different plans as he played an innings of 76 runs in 48 balls, including three sixes and seven fours. The left-handed batter's innings helped the Jamaican side win the game while chasing the target of 161 runs with an over to spare. 

Here is the viral video of Alick Athanaze reverse-sweep six in CPL 2023- 

Alick Athanaze you beauty! A real star in the making! 🤩#CPL23 #BRvJT #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/XTQOXHdZ8S

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 1, 2023

However, in the start, Tallawh's attempt to set a competitive total was dealt a huge blow inside the powerplay as they were on 25/3 after the end of six overs, Kirk McKenzie and Alex Hales' wickets were lost in quick succession, leaving their side in trouble. Shamarh Brooks and Raymon Reifer consolidated, but after the initial drama, that 54-run partnership changed the whole scenario. 

In the end, 161 runs was a tricky chase for the Royals, especially as they lost openers, Rahkeem Cornwall and Kyle Mayers in the powerplay, but the game was looking for a tight finish. Athanaze and Laurie Evans’ had a partnership of 89 runs, which ensured the Royals entered the final five overs with a chasable target and with seven wickets in hand.  In the points table, the Barbados Royals are in the fifth spot with two wins and two losses in five games. Whereas Jamia Tallawahs are in the fourth spot and have the same number of wins and losses but a better net run rate.