St Lucia Kings secure top spot after victory over Barbados Royals

The St Lucia Kings climbed to the top of the standings in the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after a hard-fought 13-run victory over the Barbados Royals on Sunday.

Although both teams had already qualified for the playoffs, the match provided an opportunity for the sides to gain momentum and bragging rights heading into the next stage.

Both the Kings and the Royals entered the match with 10 points, having won five and lost two of their seven matches. Net Run Rate (NRR) was the only thing separating the teams as Royals captain Rovman Powell won the toss and elected to field first.

The Royals’ bowlers, who have been effective throughout the tournament, found it challenging to replicate their usual dominance against the Kings. However, wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock’s lightning-quick reactions led to key stumpings, dismissing Faf du Plessis off Keshav Maharaj and Roston Chase off Maheesh Theekshana.

Despite these breakthroughs, St Lucia Kings opener Johnson Charles powered his team forward, top-scoring with 53 runs off 42 balls, displaying muscular sweeps and clearing the boundary with ease. He was supported by Ackeem Auguste, who contributed 35 off 32 balls before being forced to retire hurt. Tim Seifert added some late fireworks, smashing boundaries to push the Kings to a formidable total of 162/3 — the highest score at Providence in this year’s competition.

In response, the Royals began their chase strongly, reaching 56 without loss in the early stages. Kadeem Alleyne was the main aggressor, particularly in the third over when he smashed three consecutive sixes off Roston Chase. However, Alzarri Joseph soon dismissed the dangerous de Kock for 22 off 13 balls, and the Kings fought back, claiming the wickets of Rahkeem Cornwall and captain Rovman Powell for cheap scores.

By the 13th over, the Royals had reached 100/4, but the pressure began to mount as Kings spinner Noor Ahmed bowled a maiden to a frustrated David Miller in the 14th over, leaving the Royals needing 63 runs from the final 36 balls. Miller briefly atoned for his slow start with two boundaries in the next over, but was caught at cover by du Plessis for 21 off 22 balls, just as the required run rate soared.

The Royals continued to struggle in the closing stages as Alick Athanaze and Nyeem Young both fell. Entering the final over, the Royals required 21 runs with Jason Holder and Maheesh Theekshana at the crease. Holder managed an edge for four to keep his team in the game, but David Wiese held his nerve, dismissing Holder with a crucial catch at long-off by Khary Pierre.

Wiese’s tight bowling ensured the St Lucia Kings emerged victorious by 13 runs, securing their place at the top of the table as they head into the 2024 CPL playoffs.

With both teams already qualified for the playoffs, the match provided a glimpse of the intense competition to come as the CPL’s final stages approach.

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