The Saint Lucia Kings began their Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League title defence with a nail-biting finish against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park on Tuesday night. After their opening match against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons was washed out, the Kings were eager to secure their first win of the tournament.
Having lost the toss, the Boys in Blue had an intriguing start to their innings. The team lost Tim Seifert and Ackeem Auguste in quick succession during the powerplay overs. However, a typically explosive knock from Johnson Charles provided much-needed momentum. The legendary Millet-born batsman smashed yet another CPL half-century (his 26th in the competition) off just 26 balls, propelling the Kings to 60 runs in the first six overs.
Charles’ innings was perfectly complemented by Roston Chase, who struck a quickfire half-century off 30 deliveries before finishing on 61. Adding further firepower, Australian superstar Tim David, currently in the form of his life, produced an enterprising 46 off 23 balls. Despite their dominance early on, tight bowling in the final overs restricted the Kings to 200-8, when at one stage a total above 220 looked likely.
In response, Andre Fletcher and Kyle Mayers gave the Patriots a blistering start. But Khari Pierre turned the tide, the Trinidadian left-arm spinner picking up two wickets for just 25 runs. With the Patriots under pressure, newly appointed captain Jason Holder launched a counterattack, smashing 63 runs from just 28 balls to put the Kings’ bowlers on the back foot.
Holder was well supported by emerging talent Navin Bidaisee, who was given a lifeline after a simple catch was dropped. After Holder’s dismissal, Bidaisee took charge, punishing the bowlers and keeping the chase alive. The match swung back and forth with brilliant shot-making and spells of disciplined bowling, all leading up to a dramatic final delivery.
Needing four runs off the last ball from captain David Wiese, Bidaisee looked to have found the boundary with a solid strike. But Tim David produced a stunning catch near the ropes to seal a thrilling three-run victory for the Kings.
