In the first qualifier of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, Saint Lucia Kings edged out defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors by 15 runs, courtesy of the DLS method. The match played at a packed Providence Stadium, featured some dramatic moments, including an exceptional spin bowling display by Guyana’s Noor Ahmad, who produced a crucial wicket in the 12th over of the second innings.

Noor Ahmad’s spin magic 

With the Guyana Amazon Warriors chasing a daunting target of 199, left-arm spinner Noor provided a glimmer of hope for his side. In the 12th over, Noor bowled a brilliantly flighted delivery to Saint Lucia Kings’ all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius. The ball tossed up with deceptive spin, drifted in sharply, beating Pretorius’ tentative push. The result was spectacular – Pretorius, bowled for just 2 off 3 balls, watched his leg stump cartwheel out of the ground. This left the Warriors reeling at 106/4, with the required run rate soaring close to 14 runs per over. Noor’s masterful delivery gave Guyana a brief boost, but it was Saint Lucia Kings who kept tightening their grip on the game.

Here is the video:

It’s automatic at this point ↩️

Noor Ahmad picks up his 19th wicket of the season. #CPL24 #CPLPlayoffs #GAWvSLK #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #GuardianGrouptt pic.twitter.com/oTkEc9Rpbr

— CPL T20 (@CPL) October 3, 2024

Also READ: Johnson Charles, Faf du Plessis lead St. Lucia Kings to CPL 2024 final by defeating Guyana Amazon Warriors in Qualifier 1

Rain derails Guyana Amazon Warriors’ chase

Earlier, Saint Lucia Kings set an imposing target, thanks to a strong batting performance led by their captain, Faf du Plessis. The experienced South African played a crucial knock, scoring 57 runs off 36 balls, including five boundaries and three towering sixes. However, the standout performer was opener Johnson Charles, who blazed his way to 79 off just 45 balls, hammering eight fours and five sixes. Charles’ powerful innings provided the Kings with early momentum, allowing them to post a challenging 198/5 in their 20 overs.

Guyana’s bowlers struggled to contain the Kings’ onslaught, with Charles and du Plessis particularly aggressive in the middle overs. Despite a few breakthroughs, the Warriors’ attack couldn’t prevent the Kings from building a strong platform for victory.

Guyana Amazon Warriors, in their reply, put up a spirited fight. Star batter Shimron Hetmyer was in explosive form, smashing 37 runs off just 18 balls at a blistering strike rate above 200. Hetmyer’s aggressive innings gave the Warriors a fighting chance as they reached 106/4 after 13 overs. However, just as the match was reaching a critical juncture, rain intervened, halting play and dampening Guyana’s hopes of a comeback.

When play was called off, Guyana Amazon Warriors found themselves 15 runs short of the revised DLS target, handing Saint Lucia Kings a crucial victory. Charles’ match-winning knock earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award, as his aggressive stroke play proved pivotal in securing the Kings’ spot in the CPL 2024 final.

Saint Lucia Kings’ path to the CPL 2024 final

With this win, Saint Lucia Kings have booked their place in the final, where they await the winner of the second qualifier. Guyana Amazon Warriors, though beaten, will have another shot at reaching the final when they face the Barbados Royals in Qualifier 2 on October 5th. The winner of Qualifier 2 will face Saint Lucia Kings in the CPL 2024 final on October 7th.

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