Did the Saint Lucia Kings Claim Their First CPL Victory in a Last Ball Thriller?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saint Lucia Kings registered their first win of CPL.
- Tim David made a crucial catch to secure the victory.
- Roston Chase was pivotal with both bat and ball.
- The match showcased the competitive nature of the CPL.
- The Kings are now leading the table based on net run rate.
Basseterre, Aug 20 (NationPress) The reigning champions, Saint Lucia Kings, triumphed over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by a mere three runs in a nail-biting finish at Warner Park, marking their first victory in the Caribbean Premier League early on Wednesday.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, the Saint Lucia Kings scored 200 runs in their innings. This impressive score was bolstered by explosive half-centuries from Johnson Charles and Roston Chase, along with a rapid 46 off just 23 balls from Tim David. Charles led the charge with a brisk 52 off 28 deliveries, setting a solid foundation for SLK.
A stunning debut performance by breakout player Navin Bidaisee kept the Patriots competitive throughout a tense run chase as they sought to chase down the Kings' total of 200/8.
The match culminated in a dramatic final ball, with Bidaisee and the Patriots needing four runs off David Wiese’s last delivery. Wiese, who had been accurate throughout the over, faltered slightly on this crucial ball, allowing a hittable delivery.
Navin attempted to push the ball towards the boundary at long-off, but the towering Tim David pulled off an incredible catch, sealing a three-run victory for the Kings and leaving the Patriots heartbroken.
For the Saint Lucia Kings, captain David Wiese and Khary Pierre each took two wickets.
Roston Chase was named the player of the match, scoring 61 off 38 balls and contributing with the ball as well, taking 2 wickets for 27 runs. His crafty spin bowling proved economical, claiming the scalps of Rilee Rossouw and Patriots captain Jason Holder.
“It was quite nerve-racking. We certainly made it challenging. I believed we could have clinched it more comfortably, but I’m still thankful for the two points,” Chase remarked after the match.
The loss meant the Patriots have now won only one out of four matches, suffering three consecutive defeats. The Kings now sit atop the CPL standings based on net run rate, despite their first match against the Falcons being abandoned due to rain.
Previously, the SLK's first match was washed out because of heavy rainfall on Monday. They are set to face the Trinbago Knight Riders next, early on Sunday.