Caribbean Premier League 2024Caribbean Premier LeagueCricket Match ReportsCricket NewsGuyana Amazon WarriorsInternational LeagueSports HighlightsSt. Lucia Kings
Saint Lucia Kings March Into CPL Final With DLS Victory Over Guyana Amazon Warriors
In a thrilling Qualifier 1 encounter, Saint Lucia Kings advanced to the CPL 2024 final after defeating Guyana Amazon Warriors by 15 runs through the DLS method. An explosive batting display from Johnson Charles (79 off 45 balls) and Faf du Plessis (57 off 36 balls) set the stage for a mammoth total of 198/5 in 20 overs, putting the Warriors under immense pressure. When the rains interrupted play, Guyana had managed only 106/4 in 13 overs, falling short of the DLS par score.
Saint Lucia’s Explosive Start: Charles and Du Plessis Dominate
The Kings’ opening pair once again showcased their class, with Johnson Charles and Faf du Plessis continuing their formidable form. Their partnership of 124 runs off 70 balls made batting look easy on a surface that wasn’t straightforward. Charles was in exceptional touch, showcasing his dominance over both pace and spin. His much-improved game against spin bowling has been the talking point of the season, and he lived up to expectations, dismantling Guyana’s potent spin attack. On the other hand, Du Plessis played with a calm yet aggressive approach, complementing Charles’ onslaught while also contributing with crucial boundaries.
Even after their dismissals, the Kings maintained momentum, although Guyana’s bowlers, particularly Moeen Ali (2-24) and Imran Tahir (0-29), managed to restrict the total to under 200. Yet, given the conditions, 198 was always going to be a tough target.
Guyana Warriors’ Struggles and Hetmyer’s Heroics
Chasing a challenging total, Guyana Warriors experimented by sending Keemo Paul to open the innings. However, the move backfired as Paul struggled to find rhythm and was dismissed for a sluggish 14 from 15 deliveries by Alzarri Joseph. The middle order, consisting of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (24 off 18) and Shai Hope (27 off 22), got starts but couldn’t capitalize as the scoreboard pressure mounted. Both batsmen fell trying to accelerate, and with the team at 106/4, the rain arrived.
Shimron Hetmyer was the only bright spot for the Warriors, as he launched a late counter-attack, smashing 37* off 18 balls, including a flurry of sixes off Noor Ahmad and Roston Chase. However, just as Guyana seemed to be building momentum, the heavens opened, cutting short any hopes of a comeback.
The DLS method left Guyana short by 15 runs, and the Kings celebrated their well-deserved victory.
Guyana Warriors Have Another Shot
Despite the loss, Guyana Amazon Warriors are not out of the tournament yet. They will have another opportunity to make it to the final as they face Barbados Royals in Qualifier 2. The Warriors will need to regroup quickly and address their batting concerns to challenge for a spot in the CPL 2024 final.
Brief Scores:
- Saint Lucia Kings: 198/5 in 20 overs (Johnson Charles 79, Faf du Plessis 57; Moeen Ali 2-24)
- Guyana Amazon Warriors: 106/4 in 13 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 37*; David Wiese 1-3, Alzarri Joseph 1-9)
- Saint Lucia Kings won by 15 runs (DLS method)
