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PHOTOS: Pollard shines after colourful opening to Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

Carnival girls waiting to go onto the field prior to the opening match of the Caribbean Premier League between Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Zouks at Kengsinton Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

Colour, glamour and a little controversy was part of the opening day of the Carribean Premier League on Tuesday.

Pollard shines on colourful opening to the Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

A participant at the opening ceremony of the Cricket Caribbean Premier League in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

Barbados Tridents took on St Lucia Zouks in the opening match of the inaugural edition of the League, played in Bridgetown, Barbados.

And the contest began with drama, as Barbados fans, reportedly, protested the appointment of Kieron Pollard as captain of the Tridents.

Pollard shines on colourful opening to the Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

Rayad Emrit and Umar Akmal of Barbados Tridents celebrate the wicket of St. Lucia Zouks' Herschelle Gibbs at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

The decision irked fans because Pollard hails from Trinidad.

However, the move did good for Pollard, who, with a crisp half-century and figures of 3-15, helped the Tridents beat the Zouks by 17 runs.

Pollard shines on colourful opening to the Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

Fans cheer their team during the opening match of the Cricket Caribbean Premier League between Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Zouks at Kengsinton Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

Choosing to bat first, Trinidad Tridents were in a soup at 48 for 4.

But Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik (78 off 51 balls) and Pollard (61 off 46 balls) joined forces to take the team to 169 for 5.

Pollard shines on colourful opening to the Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

Cheerleaders and dancers perform during the opening match of the Caribbean Premier League between Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Zouks at Kengsinton Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

Chasing a massive 170 for victory, St Lucia openers Tamim Iqbal (22 off 14) and Andre Fletcher (57 off 41) shared a superb 57-run stand.

It was all smooth sailing for them, until Fletcher’s dismissal.

Pollard shines on colourful opening to the Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

Barbados Tridents fans wave their flags during the opening match of the Cricket Caribbean Premier League between Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Zouks at Kengsinton Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

That dismissal marked the beginning of the end for St Lucia Zouks as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

No 5 bat and Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq tried to keep the innings together with an 18-ball 12 but it was a futile effort.

Pollard shines on colourful opening to the Carribean Premier League

Last updated on: July 31, 2013 14:19 IST

Darren Sammy of St. Lucia Zouks hits a 6 against Barbados Tridents at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday

Down the order, St Lucia captain Darren Sammy tried to salvage the situation with a quickfire 35 off 16 deliveries, but the Zouks batsmen fell like nine pins and they were eventually dismissed for 152 runs.