Kings on Fire: Set for CPL Playoffs!

Ackeem Auguste displays his batting skills at DSCG

On Sunday, the St Lucia Kings will face off against the Barbados Royals as the challenge heats up in this season’s CPL series in Bridgetown, Barbados.

This matchup features the Kings, currently at the top of the standings, against the bottom-ranked Royals, who have yet to secure a win in this year’s tournament.

In a brilliant display of cricketing prowess, the Saint Lucia Kings stormed into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoffs with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders.

Building on a strong momentum from their home leg, where they won three out of five matches, the Kings dismantled the Knight Riders’ five-match winning streak, delivering one of the most clinical performances of the season.

Chasing a modest target of 110, the Kings achieved victory with 53 balls to spare on Wednesday, September 3, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago.

Tambraiz Shamsi led the Kings’ impressive bowling attack, as the team confidently advanced to the playoffs. Tim Seifert and Ackeem Auguste were instrumental in the chase of 110, solidifying the Kings’ top position on the table while ending TKR’s winning streak.

Shamsi, a left-arm wrist spinner, was the architect of TKR’s collapse, earning Player of the Match honors with an extraordinary spell of three wickets for just 12 runs from four overs. He took down key players, including Akeal Hosein (0), Andre Russell (12), and Kieron Pollard (14), all clean bowled.

The Knight Riders, tasked with setting a challenging target after being put in to bat by Kings’ skipper David Wiese, struggled to find their rhythm and limped to a meager 109 all out in 18.1 overs. Captain Nicholas Pooran managed to top-score with 30, while Nathan Edward chipped in with 17.

The Kings’ response was swift and stylish. Tim Seifert set the tone for the chase with a blazing 36 off 19 balls, while Ackeem Auguste added a quick 28 off 18. Roston Chase anchored the innings with a composed 27 not out off 18.

The final blow came from Tim David, who emphatically sealed the win with a towering six off Usman Tariq, wrapping up the match in just 11.1 overs. Sunil Narine picked up two wickets for 28 runs.

This victory not only guarantees the Kings a playoff berth but also boosts their net run rate to a significant 1.300, a crucial asset as the tournament progresses to its final stages.
In their final home game at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground [DSCG], the Kings convincingly defeated the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by six wickets, with 13 balls remaining.

Chasing a daunting target of 205 for victory, the Kings confidently reached their goal for the loss of four wickets. Tim Seifert starred with his maiden CPL century, scoring an impressive 125 not out off 53 balls (10 fours, 9 sixes). Supporting him were Tim David with 23, Ackeem Auguste with 19, and Johnson Charles with 17.