SPL T20 Final Showdown: City Blasters vs. Choiseul CraftMasters

City Blasters and Choiseul CraftMasters are set to face off in the final of this season’s SPL T20 tournament, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Ground in Gros Islet.

In an exhilarating match during Qualifier 2, Choiseul CraftMasters triumphed with a remarkable 62-run victory, contributing to a combined total of over 500 runs.

They batted first, scoring 290 runs for 3 wickets in their 20 overs. Soufriere Titans fought valiantly but finished at 228 runs for 8 wickets.

Alick Athanze, an overseas player from Dominica, was the standout performer, smashing a stunning 133 runs off just 57 balls, including 10 fours and 13 sixes. He received vital support from Jason Simon, who contributed 57 runs off 25 balls, and Junior Henry, who added 29 runs from 20 balls.

Athanze’s explosive hitting captivated the enthusiastic Choiseul fans, setting a formidable target for Soufriere. On the bowling side, Djourn Charles took 1 wicket for 56 runs in 4 overs, while Sheldon Willie claimed 1 for 41 in 3 overs from a costly bowling spell.

Soufriere’s innings started poorly, at one point struggling at 5 for 77 (6.4 overs) . However, a spirited 100-run partnership between Mateo Boulonge and Kevin Gassie provided a glimmer of hope. Boulonge finished with a commendable 80 runs off 41 balls (6×4, 7×6), while Gassie added 45 runs from 30 balls (1×4, 4×6).

Jeanille Williams was effective with the ball for CraftMasters, taking 4 wickets for 52 runs, and Shawnil Edward supported with 2 for 33.

In the earlier Qualifier 1, Ackelles City Blasters faced off against the Soufriere Titans, winning decisively with a score of 253 runs for 6 wickets, which led to a 33-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method as the Titans managed only 119 runs for 10 wickets with a revised target of 233 runs in 18 overs.

Captain Stephen Naitram led his team with a powerful 92 runs off 42 balls (5×4, 10×6) , assisted by Mc Kenny Clarke , who scored 62 off 21(3×4, 7×6), and Theo Edward, who added 50 off 29 (3×4, 4×6).

Djourn Charles tried to make an impact for the Titans with impressive bowling, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 3 overs.

The Titans’ chase saw Kevin Sinclair shine with a rapid century of 100 runs off 35 balls, while Shanii Mesmain and Bradley Tisson contributed 44 off 16 and 23 off 15, respectively.

For the Blasters, Tyler Venner (4/23), Murgan Shoulette (3/35), and Mc Kenny Clarke (2/31) were the leading bowlers.

As the sixth edition of the SPL T20 draws to a close, the stage is set for the final showdown.

The City Blasters will take on the Choiseul CraftMasters for the championship title on Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 PM at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Ground.

Don’t miss this thrilling encounter!