Kings Bounce Back Jubilantly

The St Lucia Kings have decisively taken the lead on the points table in this season’s CPL challenge, demonstrating their strength with two impressive performances down the home stretch.

After a disappointing two-match haul that left them with just one point, fans eagerly awaited a turnaround. They suffered a loss against the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) on Saturday (August 23) and faced a washed-out match against the Barbados Royals (BR) the following day.

On Thursday, however, the Kings delivered a commanding victory over the St Kitts/Nevis Patriots (SKNP), adding to their overwhelming win against the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in Tuesday’s blockbuster affair.

Kings stars ‘homeboys’ Johnson Charles and Ackeem Auguste shone brightly in these victories, electrifying a lively crowd of fans and supporters, alongside the technical staff led by head coach Daren Sammy.

Charles was in exceptional form as the Kings chased down SKNP’s total of 178 on Thursday, propelling them to the top of the table. Tabraiz Shamsi posed a challenge, earning the chance to showcase his shoe-phone celebration with figures of 2 for 17.

However, the Kings made the chase look easy. With 18 balls and seven wickets to spare, the opening partnership of Tim Seifert and Charles contributed a whopping 115 runs in just 62 balls, making the chase a breeze.

The Kings started slowly with just five runs in the first over but quickly ramped up the pace, finishing the powerplay with 72 runs. Waqar Salamkheil took the crucial wicket of Charles, who scored 47 off 17 balls.

Ackeem Auguste and Seifert built a solid partnership, adding 60 runs for the second wicket. Auguste contributed 29 runs, and Seifert scored 68 off 45 before falling in the 15th over. Roston Chase (15*) and Tim David (16*) completed the run chase by the 17th over.

The Patriots began well, reaching 57 for 1 after six overs, but Shamsi’s wicket of Fletcher shifted momentum; he earned Player of the Match for his performance.

Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 60 off 41 balls, supported by partnerships with Mayers and Holder, wasn’t enough as they struggled with the required run rate.

The Kings’ victory elevated them to the top of the table with eight points, while the Patriots remain in fifth with four points.

Auguste, the 21-year-old local sensation, shined brightly to help the Kings chase down 203 runs and thwart the Amazon fans’ hopes. Fans erupted as Ackeem hit his maiden CPL half-century, the season’s fastest off just 19 balls.

Auguste’s explosive 73 off 35 outperformed Romario Shepherd’s 73* off 34, securing victory for the St Lucia Kings.

Oshane Thomas had a disastrous outing, conceding 33 runs in a ten-ball over – the most expensive ever by a St Lucia Kings bowler in the CPL.

Despite this, Auguste led the Kings to a four-wicket victory over the Amazon Warriors, thrilling home fans with his 73 off 35, assisted by captain David Wiese.

The Kings chased down 203 with 11 balls to spare, marking the first time in CPL history that the Amazon Warriors scored over 200 and lost, despite previously winning ten times under similar circumstances.

After a shaky start, with Amazon Warriors at 44 for 3 during the powerplay, Romario Shepherd’s explosive 23-ball fifty, featuring seven sixes, turned the tide. An overly expensive over from Thomas, which included four no-balls, propelled the Warriors to 202.

The Kings maintained pace during the chase, achieving 86 runs in the powerplay. Despite a few wickets falling, they comfortably completed the chase, clinching victory with boundaries from Khary Pierre and Wiese.

Tomorrow (Sunday) , the Kings complete their home run taking on Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (ABF) , at the DSCG, from 11.00a.m.