The Saint Lucia Kings sent a thunderous message to the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, announcing their title defence is well and truly alive with a stunning four-wicket victory over the previously unbeaten Guyana Amazon Warriors here Tuesday night.
In a heavyweight clash at a buzzing Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, the reigning champions coolly hunted down a formidable target of 203, sealing the win with 11 balls to spare and catapulting themselves into second place on the table.
The architect of the triumph was young Ackeem Auguste, who blasted a magnificent 73 from just 35 deliveries in a Player of the Match performance that dismantled the Warriors’ attack.
His explosive innings formed the bedrock of a record-breaking power play that ultimately decided the contest.
After the Warriors, who elected to bat first, were propelled to a robust 202-6 by Romario Shepherd’s powerful 73 off 34 balls, the Kings’ reply began shakily with the early loss of Johnson Charles for 13.
Any nerves were immediately extinguished by Auguste and Tim Seifert, who launched a breathtaking assault, plundering 86 runs in the six-over powerplay to break the back of the chase.
Though Auguste eventually fell with 63 still required, the experienced middle order of Tim David 25, Aaron Jones 16, and captain David Wiese 10 not out, provided the composure needed to guide the team over the line at 203-6 in 18.1 overs.
Only three points separate five out of the six teams now after the Kings made it 3-0 over the Warriors in their most recent contests.
It was also the first time in the CPL that the Amazon Warriors have scored 200-plus and lost, winning each of the last ten times they got there. (CMC)
