Kimani Melius, former Windies Under-19 captain, delivered an outstanding performance, earning another Player of the Match award and leading the Sail Gros Islet Knight Riders to this season’s Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 Eliminator.
This victory puts them on the path to the finals of the tournament.
Despite challenging weather, on Sunday, the Knights decisively defeated the CCCU Choiseul Craft Masters in a shortened five-over showdown at the Gros Islet Playing Field, dominating the match with a commanding 10-wicket win.
Winning the toss and choosing to field, the Knights effectively restricted the Craft Masters to 81-3 in their five overs. Jason Simon set the pace with a powerful 27 off just eight balls, with three fours and two sixes.
Overseas player Ryshon Williams added a quick 25 off eight balls, featuring three sixes and a four, while captain Vince Smith finished unbeaten on 17 off 12 deliveries, hitting two boundaries. Murgaran Shoulette chipped in with one four and two singles from three balls.
Royce Paul emerged as the Knights’ main wicket-taker with 2-14, while Tyrel Chicot claimed 1-14. All five bowlers had their moments, with Darvin Forde being the most economical, conceding only 11 runs, whereas Lee John allowed 19 runs, and Tarrique Edward gave up 21.
In response, Melius, the season’s leading run-scorer, showcased his brilliance, smashing 65 runs off a mere 16 balls, including nine sixes and two fours at an astonishing strike rate of 406.25.
Opening partner Noelle Leo faced only four deliveries but made them count, hitting a six and two fours to finish unbeaten on 14. The Gros Islet team swiftly reached 84 without loss in just 3.1 overs.
Melius specifically targeted Ryshon Williams, who opened the bowling with his slow left-arm orthodox. After a four and a no-ball, Williams was overwhelmed, conceding five consecutive sixes in a fierce display of batting.
With this emphatic victory, the Gros Islet Knights are now set to face the Ackelles City Blasters for a chance at the final, where they will encounter the SCCA South Castries Lions.
It’s noteworthy that Gros Islet remains the only team to have defeated the City Blasters during the preliminary stage of the competition.