Saint Lucia Kings delivered a medical efficiency to defeat Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by 7 wickets within the sixth match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. The match, held on the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, noticed a mix of tactical brilliance and particular person excellence, significantly from Noor Ahmad, who performed a pivotal function in his crew’s success.
Toss and choice
Saint Lucia Kings received the toss and, recognizing the situations that favoured bowlers early on, opted to bowl first. This choice proved to be spot-on as their bowlers shortly discovered rhythm and utilized strain on the Antigua and Barbuda batsmen.
Antigua and Barbuda innings
Antigua and Barbuda, put into bat, struggled to construct a stable basis as they misplaced wickets at common intervals. The innings started with Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves opening the batting. Whereas Zaman managed to attain 21 runs off 17 balls, his keep on the crease was reduce brief as he tried to speed up the scoring charge. Greaves, the highest scorer for Antigua and Barbuda, performed a gritty knock of 36 runs off 26 balls, together with 5 fours, offering some stability on the prime.
Nonetheless, the center order did not capitalize on the beginning. Kofi James and Jewel Andrew may solely muster 5 and 15 runs, respectively, as they discovered it tough to deal with the disciplined bowling from Saint Lucia Kings. Imad Wasim made a valiant try to anchor the innings, scoring 29 not out off 23 balls, however Antigua and Barbuda struggled to search out the boundaries constantly.
The standout efficiency in Saint Lucia Kings’ bowling assault got here from Noor Ahmad, whose misleading spin and intelligent variations left the opposition baffled. Ahmad’s 4-over spell yielded 3 wickets for simply 18 runs, a key think about proscribing Antigua and Barbuda to a modest whole of 142/7.
Additionally WATCH: Kyle Mayers sends Johnson Charles’ stump cartwheel in CPL 2024
Saint Lucia Kings innings
Chasing 143 for victory, Saint Lucia Kings approached the goal with confidence. Johnson Charles and Faf du Plessis opened the innings and offered a stable begin. Charles performed a measured knock, scoring 47 runs off 46 balls, together with 1 4 and three sixes. His knock offered the soundness wanted on the prime, permitting his companions to play with extra freedom.
Du Plessis, alternatively, performed an aggressive cameo, smashing 28 runs off simply 15 balls, with 5 fours and 1 six, setting the tone for the chase. Although Bhanuka Rajapaksa was dismissed for 9 runs, the momentum remained with Saint Lucia Kings.
The actual of completion was offered by Tim Seifert, whose blistering knock of 26 runs off 11 balls, that includes 3 sixes and 1 4, ensured there have been no late hiccups. Saint Lucia Kings reached the goal comfortably, ending at 144/3 in simply 17 overs.
