A whirlwind 79 by West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher and a three wicket haul by Sherlan Isidore were the main highlights of the SPL T20 finals, as South Castries Lions defeated champions Avatar City Blasters by four wickets, on Sunday evening at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Winning the toss and batting, the City Blasters were pegged back as they lost opening batsman Gaspard Prosper without scoring off the second ball of the innings, well caught behind by wicket-keeper Andre Fletcher off Xavier Gabriel, from a lifting delivery.
From here on the City Blasters never recovered as wickets tumbled at regular intervals including that of Captain Daren Sammy for 6 off 19 deliveries caught Andre Fletcher off the bowling of Kester Charlemange with the score on 46 for 5 in 11.4 overs.
Allen Prospere batting at No. 6 scored a quick firing 30 off 24 balls that included two 4’s and two 6s, Alex Joseph chipped in with 15, while extras were the second highest score, 27.
City Blasters innings closed at 100 for 8 off their allotment of 20 overs.
Bowling for the Lions, SherlanIsidore picked up 3 for 17; Xavier Gabriel took 2 for 16; Kester Charlemange bagged 2 for 18 and Johnson Charles 1 for 27.
Needing 101 for victory and with that the 2018 championship trophy, the Lions were soon in a spot of bother as Captain Johnson Charles was first out without scoring adjudged lbw with the score on 17.
The Blasters celebration was short lived both on the grounds and in the stands as Andre Fletcher went on to stamp his authority by hitting 9 exquisite fours and 3 towering sixes in his 79 runs off 45 deliveries at a strike rate of 175.56. He was eventually out caught by Johnnel Eugene off the bowling of Hazel Charlery with the score on 95 for 4.
Dwight Thomas 6, Dornan Edward 1, Tonius Simon 4 and Xavier Gabriel 0 did not make any impact on the score sheet for South Castries Lions.
With 6 runs still needed for victory and plenty of overs left to be bowled, allrounderCollinusCallendar was the man to hit the winning runs as he played a scintillating drive down the ground off Allen Prospere to commence the celebration for the new SPL T20 champions.
Bowling for City Blasters, Hazel Charlery took 3 for 14, Johnnel Eugene 1 for 16 and Dillon John 1 for 20.
In the 3rd place match, Choiseul Craft Masters defeated Mabouya Valley Renegades by 59 runs.
Scores in the match – Choiseul Craft Masters 164 for 5, Jason Simon 57, Christian 41 and Murlan Sammy 18.Bowling for Mabouya Renegades – Jaden Elibox 2 for 30, MurgaranShoulette 1 for 26 and Shem Severin 1 for 32.
Mabouya Valley Renegades in reply were restricted to 105 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Meanwhile, the following awards were presented following the showpiece – Man of the Match (Final) – Andre Fletcher 79 runs, 4 catches. Most Runs – Andre Fletcher (173 runs), Most Wickets – SherlanIsidore (11 wickets), MVP of the Tournament – Johnson Charles, Championship trophy and gold medals – South Castries Lions, Runners Up trophy and silver medals – City Blasters, 3rd Place – bronze medals – Choiseul Craft Masters.
