District One Strikers emerged as the inaugural champions of the Caribbean Premier League / Saint Lucia Kings Schools Under 19 T20 X-Plosion, by defeating District 8 Challengers in the finals played, last week, at the Gros Islet playing field.
Strikers clinched a 36-run win to dispose off their opponents.
After taking first knock, Strikers posted 134 / 5 in their allotted 20 overs; with Zhanni Joseph top scoring with 53 (3×4, 2×6) for his second consecutive half-century.
Captain Amari Venner continued his good run-on form with the bat, to add 40 runs to his team’s total. Bowling for Challengers, Gareth Alphonse picked up 2 / 30, while Jaheem Simeon and Jude Joseph took one wicket each.
Chasing a somewhat modest total, Challengers found the going an uphill battle losing wickets at crucial intervals and were eventually bowled out for 98 in 18.1 overs. Aiden Scholar 18, Jude Joseph 16, Cody Fontinelle 11, and Sylvan James 10 were the main contributors.
Zhanni Joseph was in action again to cap off a splendid all-round performance bagging 3 / 18; while Neil Poyotte claimed 2 / 11.
Meanwhile, a ministry of sports spokesperson stated that the the official awards ceremony was due to be held, on Thursday (July, 20).