VP Sports
Three teams are vying for a coveted finalist position. Today, Sail Gros Islet Knights faces off against Choiseul Craft Masters in a crucial Eliminator-1 playoff match at the Mindoo Phillip Park (MPP), as the SPL T20 championship title race intensifies.
Tomorrow, the winner of this match will go head-to-head with City Blasters for a place in the finals at the Gros Islet Mini Stadium (GMS), following the solid performance by South Castries Lions, who triumphed over City Blasters in Qualifier-1.
Organisers confirm that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the grand finals are slated for next Sunday (May 25).
On Thursday night, before an enthusiastic crowd at GMS, the South Castries Lions delivered a commanding victory over City Blasters, securing their position in this season’s SPL T20 finals.
The SC Lions posted an impressive total of 181/6, ultimately dismissing City Blasters for 170, clinching an exhilarating 11- run win.
The Lions started strong, scoring 16 runs in the first over, before left-arm seamer Dillan John made his mark, claiming the first wicket in his second over. Despite losing a wicket, by the halfway mark (10 overs), the Lions stood confidently at 94/1.
However, the Lions lost a few wickets after the break, including their in-form batter, Kensley Paul, who narrowly missed a half- century with 42 runs (34 balls, 6 fours, 1 six), forming a solid 62-run second-wicket partnership with Malcolm Monrose, who contributed 29 runs (17 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes). After facing three dismissals, the score hovered at 96/4 in the 12th over.
Yet, experienced Windward player Larry Edward took charge, aggressively scoring 50 runs (24 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes) and ensuring vital lower-order partnerships of 35 and 49 with Kester
Charlemagne (24 runs, 18 balls) and Jaylan Chander (2 runs, 7 balls), culminating in a strong total of 181/6. Jaden Elibox (3 for 28 in 4 overs) and Dillan John (2 for 18 in 4 overs) led the bowling efforts for the Blasters.
City Blasters began their chase with determination, forming a solid second-wicket partnership after losing an early wicket in the second over. Skipper Stephen Naitram (51 runs, 28 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and Vernilius Gabriel (51 runs, 39 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) built a formidable 114-run partnership.
However, their departure in quick succession left the Blasters struggling at 122/4. With 59 runs needed off 42 balls, the tension escalated, and the Blasters buckled under pressure. John provided a brief spark with a swift 12 runs (6 balls, 3 fours), but the crafty left-arm spin of Edward shifted the momentum, leading to two swift wickets.
As the equation tightened to 39 runs from 24 balls, the Blasters faltered, unable to manage the rising intensity. Two critical juggling catches on the boundary accounted for the latter batters,
leading to the fall of the final wicket.
Edward excelled with an outstanding all-round performance, topping the wicket chart with 3 for 28 (4 overs), while skipper Kester Charlemagne claimed 2 for 21 (4 overs) and Zinnaki
Louis 2 for 32 (4 overs) to dismantle the Blasters.
City Blasters now face one last opportunity for redemption when they confront the winner of Qualifier-1. – R.A.