WINDIES DUO SET TO INFUSE BETWAY SA20 WITH CARIBBEAN FLAIR

Brandon King and Evan Lewis showed off the Caribbean flair they will bring to Betway SA20 Season 3 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla yesterday.

The West Indies opening combination crashed 107 off 55 balls at the top of the order to set the Windies beautifully on course to their target of 180.

Both batters are due to make their Betway SA20 debuts next year after King was pre-signed by last season’s runners-up Durban’s Super Giants, while Pretoria Capitals picked up Lewis for R1.5 million at the recent auction.

King was in an attacking mood from the outset with the right-hander charging at the Sri Lankan bowlers before smashing the ball down the ground.

Lewis was not to be outdone as he joined the party as the pair powered West Indies to 74 without loss after the six Powerplay overs.

New Joburg Super Kings wildcard Matheesha Pathirana finally brought an end to the chaos when the Sri Lankan seamer had Lewis (50 off 28 balls, 5x4, 4x6) caught at third man off a flying outside edge.

King continued his merry way before he eventually departing for 63 (33 balls, 11x4, 1x6) with the run-chase virtually done and dusted.

The innings had even greater significance for the Windies opener as it was his first match back playing international cricket again after being ruled out of the home ICC Men’s T20 World Cup back in June.

King suffered a side strain while batting against England in the Windies’ opening Super 8 match and had to retire hurt when he was batting on 23 as he injured himself while trying to step out of the crease. 

“Being out for a couple of months is tough but I'm really glad to be back,” King said.

“It's more mental than anything at this point and having the confidence in your body to do what you usually do.”