Saint Lucia Kings continued their impressive start to the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 last night with a commanding seven-wicket win over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
After being sent into bat, the hosts saw numerous cameos fail to transform into an innings of magnitude and were eventually limited to 142-7. Chasing a modest 143 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, the Kings reached their target with 18 balls to spare, finishing on 144-3.
Faf du Plessis, the Kings’ captain, set the tone for the chase with an explosive start. The former South African skipper made batting look effortless, dispatching Shamar Springer for three boundaries and a towering six in the second over. Despite his early dismissal for a brisk 28 from just 11 balls, du Plessis had already laid the foundation for a comfortable chase.
Opener Johnson Charles anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 46 balls, ensuring the Kings remained in control despite a brief rain interruption at North Sound. Bhanuka Rajapaksa provided valuable support with a blistering 27 off 17 deliveries before falling to the Falcons’ captain, Chris Green. However, any hopes of a Falcons comeback were dashed when Green dropped a crucial return catch from Ackeem Auguste in the final over before drinks.
Tim Seifert sealed the victory in style, smashing a six to finish the match, making it a routine win for the Kings. This triumph followed their thrilling season opener against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, underscoring the Kings’ title aspirations.
For the Falcons, it was another day of disappointment, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in their debut CPL season. Despite a promising start from new opening partners Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves, who put on 35 runs for the first wicket, the Falcons’ innings faltered after the PowerPlay. Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for the Kings, claiming 3-18 to restrict the Falcons to 142-7, the lowest total of the CPL season so far.
With this victory, Saint Lucia Kings have jumped into top spot with four points from their two games while the newly formed Antigua & Barbuda Falcons sit at the bottom of the table with no wins so far from their first four games. Up next for the Falcons is a clash against last year’s finalists Trinbago Knight Riders at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday while the Kings play defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors on Saturday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Summarised Scores:
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons 142-7 in 20 overs (Justin Greaves 36, Imad Wasim 29*; Noor Ahmad 3-18) Saint Lucia Kings 145-3 in 17 overs (Johnson Charles 47*, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 27; Chris Green 1-30)
Result: Saint Lucia Kings won by 7 wickets.
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