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The excitement reached a crescendo at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia as Saint Lucia Kings clashed with Barbados Royals in the second match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023. The Kings elected to bat after winning the toss and showcased their prowess with both bat and ball, securing a commanding 54-run victory.
Saint Lucia Kings Innings:
Opting to set the tone, the Lucia Kings posted an imposing total of 201/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Faf du Plessis was the anchor, contributing a well-constructed 46 runs off 32 balls, ably supported by impactful innings from Sean Williams (47 off 30), Sikandar Raza (23 off 13) and Roshon Primus (21 off 14). The innings was characterized by brisk partnerships and aggressive stroke play.
Barbados Royals Bowling:
Despite the challenges, Jason Holder stood out for the Royals, snaring 4 wickets for 38 runs in his 4-over spell. Qais Ahmad and Obed McCoy each claimed 2 wickets, but the Kings’ batsmen managed to maintain their momentum.
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Barbados Royals Innings:
Chasing a daunting target, the Royals struggled to find their footing and were eventually bundled out for 147 in 20 overs. Nyeem Young was the lone standout, showcasing resilience with a valiant knock of 48 runs off 39 balls. However, the Kings’ bowling unit was relentless, led by Matthew Forde‘s exceptional spell of 3 wickets for just 12 runs.
Saint Lucia Kings Bowling:
Forde’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award, with his three-wicket haul leading the charge. The rest of the Kings’ bowling unit chipped in effectively, with Chris Sole, Alzarri Joseph, Sikandar Raza and Khary Pierre each claiming a wicket.
Result and Player of the Match:
In the end, the Lucia Kings emerged triumphant, clinching a convincing 54-run victory over the Royals. Forde’s standout performance with the ball rightfully earned him ‘Player of the Match’ accolade for his crucial contributions.
The match not only showcased the Kings’ dominance but also set the stage for an exhilarating CPL 2023 season ahead.
