Keemo Paul says the Jamaica Kingsmen never lost confidence, and on Tuesday night at Sabina Park he proved why.

The all-rounder smashed a half-century and took three wickets to lead Jamaica to a 51-run win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots — a result that lifted the Kingsmen to back-to-back wins after an 0-3 start and sent them to St Lucia on Friday with momentum.

Paul credited the turnaround to belief in the group and the energy from home fans.

“Well, first of all, the last two games have been perfect for us. We lost three, but we never lost confidence. The crowd has been behind us all the time. They’ve been supporting, and they’ve been driving us. So coming into this game, our confidence was high,” he said.

“We wanted to win. We obviously didn’t want to bat first, but we had to. We got some runs on the board, and in the end we came out victorious. So now we’re two on the trot, and we want to continue this momentum.”

Sent in to bat, the Kingsmen were in trouble immediately. They were 0 for 2 inside the first over and later 54 for 4 in 7.2 overs after Saurabh Netravalkar and Wanindu Hasaranga ripped through the top order.

That’s when Paul and captain Rovman Powell took over.

Keemo Paul celebrates the Kingsmen victory over Patriots in their CPL match at Sabina Park on Tuesday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Paul survived an lbw review early in his knock, then cut loose. He hammered 65 from 36 balls with five sixes and six fours. Powell played the perfect foil with 49 from 39 balls, including four fours and three sixes.

Their 99-run stand for the fifth wicket dragged Jamaica to 153 for 5 in 17.3 overs, and set the platform for a big finish. The Kingsmen ended on 181 for 6.

Netravalkar and Hasaranga both took two wickets for the Patriots, but were expensive. Netravalkar went for 43 from four overs, Hasaranga 36 from four.

“We didn’t get started the way we wanted to. Obviously, it was two down very early. But when I went out there with Rovman he just told me bat some balls. The wicket is not the easiest — our target was to get to 175. We got more than that. So we knew once we got around the range, we were going to be in the game. So I think it was smart cricket, and I’m happy with the win,” Paul said.

“Individually, it [my performance] was good. I mean, I made some runs, but I want to be consistent. It doesn’t stop there. I’m not content with that. I want to contribute to this team. I’m happy in this environment. I’m pleased to be here, and I want to contribute.”

The target proved too much. Paul then turned to the ball and led the fight-back, taking 3 for 30 from his four overs. Andre Russell backed him up with two for 19 from 4 as the Patriots were dismissed for 130 in 18 overs.

Kevin Wickham top-scored for the Patriots with 37, while Navin Bidiasee retired out on 19 and Nikhil Chaudhary added 18. No other batter passed 15 as Jamaica’s bowlers kept the pressure on.

Johnson Charles of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots bats during their CPL match against the Jamaica Kingsmen at Sabina Park on Tuesday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Paul was pleased but not satisfied with his own performance.

“Concerning my bowling, I’ve been working with the Test team, with our bowling coach, Ravi Rampaul, working on my run-up. I’m disappointed with the no-balls. It’s something that I want to correct. So I’m feeling very good.

“I’m hitting the crease good. The ball is coming out really, really good. I just want to stay consistent. Like I said, I don’t want to get complacent. I want to stay consistent, and I want to perform for this team,” Paul affirmed.

Now with two wins on the trot, Paul said the Kingsmen are staying grounded.

“We need more wins. We want to qualify, so we have to play our best cricket going forward, each and every game. We just stay in the moment. Keep our feet on the ground, game by game. We go to St Lucia now, so like I said, we have to play our best cricket each and every match. We can’t get complacent,” he said.

“I mean, Russell and Rovman, they’re the backbone of this set-up, Russell especially. I’ve never played with him, actually. This is my first time. So to actually see him in action is fantastic.

“And everything is okay. I mean, the vibe is great, the atmosphere, the support, our coaching staff has been fantastic, and they have supported us. And once again, I can’t thank the crowd enough.”

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher (right) looks on as Jamaica Kingsmen’s Keemo Paul plays a shot during his knock on 65 during their CPL match at Sabina Park on Tuesday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)