In a thrilling encounter at Warner Park, St. Kitts, the Saint Lucia Kings showcased their resilience by chasing down a challenging target of 202 runs set by the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, ultimately winning by five wickets. The match was marked by standout performances, particularly from Kyle Mayers, who made significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Kyle Mayers darts one delivery to dismiss Johnson Charles
During the match dominated by blistering batting performances, it was Mayers’ bowling that proved crucial in the early stages of the Saint Lucia Kings‘ chase. The all-rounder, who had earlier scored a quickfire 92 for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, made an impact with the ball, dismissing two key batters in his opening spell.
Mayers struck in the third over, removing Johnson Charles for 12. He bowled an inswinging delivery that rattled Charles’ stumps, leaving the Kings reeling at 14 for 1. He followed it up by dismissing Ackeem Auguste for 6 in the same over. Auguste was caught by Anrich Nortje off Mayers’ bowling, reducing the Kings to 20 for 2. Auguste’s dismissal was particularly noteworthy, as he had earlier run out Patriots captain Andre Fletcher in their innings.
Mayers’ double strike put the Patriots firmly in control of the match, with the Kings struggling at 24 for 4. The all-rounder’s impressive fielding also contributed to the Kings’ early downfall, as he took a brilliant running catch to dismiss their captain, Faf du Plessis.
Here’s the video:
— Cricket Cricket (@cricket543210) September 2, 2024
Also WATCH: Azam Khan gets out in a bizarre manner after being struck by a bouncer during CPL 2024
Lewis and Mayers power Patriots to a challenging total
Earlier in the game, Evin Lewis and Mayers had put on a record-breaking partnership for the Patriots. Lewis scored an unbeaten 100 off just 54 balls, while Mayers contributed a quickfire 92 off 62 deliveries.
The duo’s 199-run stand for the second wicket was the highest partnership ever recorded in the Caribbean Premier League. Lewis’ innings included seven fours and nine sixes, while Mayers struck six boundaries and seven maximums.
The Patriots posted a formidable total of 201 for 3 in their 20 overs, thanks to the heroics of Lewis and Mayers. Their partnership laid the foundation for a strong finish, with the Patriots scoring 54 runs in the powerplay and reaching 100 in the 10th over.
Kings bounce back with Tim Seifert and Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Despite Mayers’ early strikes, the Kings fought back through a brilliant partnership between Tim Seifert and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Seifert scored a blistering 64 off just 27 balls, while Rajapaksa remained unbeaten on 68 off 35 deliveries.
The duo’s 103-run stand for the fifth wicket turned the tide in the Kings’ favour, as they chased down the target with five wickets in hand and 2.4 overs to spare. Seifert’s innings included four fours and six sixes, while Rajapaksa hit six boundaries and four maximums.
David Wiese also played a crucial role in the Kings’ victory, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 20 balls to take his team over the line. The Kings’ impressive run chase showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Also WATCH: Nicholas Pooran’s relentless barrage of 9 sixes against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in CPL 2024
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
