Gayle hundred in vain in record T20 run chase

It is the fourth-highest total batting second in Twenty20 cricket, and the second-highest successful one, after Australia's 245/5 against New Zealand in Auckland last year. It is also the highest total in CPL history. The game equalled the record for the most number of sixes in a T20, with 37 big shots between the two sides. It also saw 483 runs scored across 38.5 overs.

St Kitts claimed the win with four wickets and seven balls to spare. It was an exceptional performance from the home team, who now have their first win of the edition after starting their campaign with consecutive defeats.

Chris Gayle's 22nd T20 hundred catapulted Jamaica to 241/4. He was well-supported by a 36-ball 73 from Chadwick Walton and an eight-ball 15 from Andre Russell. While the rest of the St Kitts attack was taken apart by the batsmen, Alzarri Joseph, with figures of 2/39, was the pick of the bowlers.

Lewis and Thomas, the St Kitts' openers, went on the counterattack, posting 85 runs for the first wicket in 5.3 overs. The duo smashed three fours and five sixes in the first four overs, accumulating 52 runs in 24 deliveries. Lewis, in particular, was in splendid touch, smashing three fours and six sixes in his knock, while also notching up the fastest half-century in CPL history, off 17 balls.

Unsurprisingly, he was adjudged the Player of the Match. "Means a lot to me, chasing 240-odd," Lewis said after the game. "I backed my abilities and it came out good. The guys are high on confidence after coming from a couple of losses."

The reliable Russell got the first wicket for Jamaica, as Lewis was caught behind in the sixth over. Laurie Evans, however, maintained the momentum, scoring 41 quick runs at a strike-rate of 205. Allen, who came to the middle after Evans was sent back by Oshane Thomas, continued in the same manner, smashing five fours and two sixes.

Thomas was exceptional throughout the chase, and he got Jamaica right back into the contest with three wickets in the 14th over. He had Thomas caught behind off the first delivery, before sending back Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Mohammed for ducks.

However, Allen found a reliable partner in Shamarh Brooks (27), and the duo added 50 runs for the sixth wicket. By the time Brooks was bowled by Russell in the 19th over, the chase was on track.