City Blasters delivered an outstanding all-round performance to defeat Choiseul Craft Masters, clinching the 2026 Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 Championship title at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds on Saturday, May 23.
In a match filled with anticipation, Choiseul failed to meet expectations, struggling to challenge the Blasters as its top-order batters succumbed under pressure.
With the match reduced to 18 overs due to intermittent showers, the Blasters batted first, posting an impressive total of 219/7. In response, Craft Masters managed only 146/10 in 14.5 overs, giving the Blasters a convincing victory by 73 runs.
Openers Ryshon Williams and Theo Edward ignited an explosive start for City Blasters. Williams, hailing from Barbados, shone with a masterful 52 runs off just 17 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes). Edward contributed a quick 7 runs off 3 balls before falling. The momentum continued with notable performances from Vernillius Gabriel (37 off 30 balls), skipper Stephen Naitram (41 off 20), and Mc Kenny Clarke (35 off 13), who helped build a formidable total.
Choiseul’s Alvinus Simon led the bowling attack with figures of 3/36 from 4 overs, while Kurstan Jules took 2/36.
In reply, Craft Masters’ innings faltered early, falling to 6/82 within the power play. Renowned players, including West Indies representative Alick Athanze, were dismissed cheaply, with Athanze failing to score after previously securing a century in the qualifiers. Jason Simon added 15 runs before also departing.
The Blasters’ seamers proved decisive, with Mc Kenny Clarke claiming 4 wickets for just 10 runs in 2.5 overs. Dylan John and Tyler Venner contributed to the dismantling of Craft Masters with 2/34 (3 overs) and 2/32 (3 overs), respectively.
Though Craft Masters’ lower-order batters like skipper Kurstan Jules (21 off 15) and Bronte Bess (33 off 15) attempted to mount a late comeback, it was too little, too late.
Hasan Euristee, CEO of the SPL T20 franchise, expressed immense pride in the grand final’s outcome and the overall success of the tournament. He noted the enthusiastic turnout of supporters from various communities and thanked his team, sponsors, and media representatives for their unwavering support.
Looking ahead, Euristee emphasized the organizers’ commitment to enhancing preparations for next year’s tournament, aiming to attract more guest players from the region and further elevate the SPL T20 Championship experience.
[R.A]