Centuries, last-over finishes headline SPL T20 midweek action

Midweek SPL T20 action saw the Babonneau Leatherbacks, Dr Freezers South Castries Lions, Ackelles City Blasters, and Micoud Eagles add points with victories on Tuesday and Wednesday.

At the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, the Leatherbacks moved to the top of the standings after battling the Titans in a nail-biting match on Tuesday. Batting first, the Titans posted 193-5. Djourn Charles led with 79 runs off 49 balls, supported by Dalius Monroe’s 35 from 26 deliveries.

In reply, Babonneau fought hard to reach the target, achieving it with two deliveries to spare. Khan Elcock’s 49 off 28 balls and Qwaine Henry’s unbeaten 36 from 23 were standout performances. The Leatherbacks won by four wickets.

Meanwhile, at the Mindoo Philip Park, Dr Freezers South Castries Lions secured a 23-run win. Batting first, Grenadian star wicketkeeper-batsman Andre “Spiceman” Fletcher smashed the tournament’s second century, scoring 114 off just 54 balls. Bolton Sayers added a rapid 29 from 17 deliveries. For the Knights, Lee John (3-23) and Tyrel Chicot (1-14) were the standout bowlers.

Chasing 193, the Knights were bundled out for 169. Simeon Gerson’s 40 and Lee John’s 35 off 21 balls were not enough. The Lions’ bowling was decisive, with Xavier Gabriel taking 3/9 in 2 overs and Daniel Jn Baptiste claiming 3-39 in four overs.

On Wednesday, the Leatherbacks tried to extend their winning streak to three games but fell short against the Micoud Eagles in another close match at Mindoo Philip Park. The match lasted the full 40 overs, with the Eagles posting a winning 188-7. Keygan Arnold anchored the innings with 62 off 40 deliveries. Dominic Auguste added a brisk 27 from 13 balls. For the Leatherbacks, Yunieski Gustave (3-29 in four overs) and Tyler Sookwa (2-29 in four overs) were the standout bowlers.

In reply, the Leatherbacks came close to victory thanks to powerful opener Dane Edward, who scored 72 from 49 deliveries. However, with little support beyond Caleb Thomas (24), the team fell five runs short at 183-7.

In a simultaneous game, Ackelles City Blasters defeated Choiseul Craft Masters by three wickets in a high-scoring match at Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. Batting first, Choiseul posted 224-6 from their 20 overs, highlighted by a century from Junior Henry (101 off 50 balls) and a rapid 33 from 19 deliveries by Trevon James. On a night when bowlers were taken to the cleaners, McKenny Clarke’s 2-27 (four overs) stood out.

The City Blasters chased down the total in 18.3 overs, thanks to 91 off 51 balls from Kensley Paul, who was unlucky not to reach triple figures. Jaden Elibox’s explosive 37 from 16 deliveries also proved crucial. Despite Josan James’ 3-22, the Craft Masters could not prevent defeat at the hands of the men from the capital.