In the second match of the Caribbean Premier League, the Saint Lucia Kings beat the Barbados Royals by 54 runs. In the high-scoring encounter, SLK posted a hefty total of 201/6 in the first inning. Chasing 200+ BR failed to hold its nerve and lost the game. With this victory, SLK clinched the first position in the points table.
Earlier, after winning the toss, SLK skipper Faf du Plessis opted to bat first. On a nice batting track, the opening duo of Du Plessis and Johnson Charles added 61 runs for the first wicket. Charles, in his inning, scored 30 runs off 19 balls with the help of five fours and a six. On the other hand, Du Plessis, in his innings, scored 46 runs off 32 balls with the help of four fours and two sixes.
Apart from them, Sean Williams (47) and Sikandar Raza (23) added 45 runs for the fourth wicket. Willams failed to complete his well-deserved half century as he was dismissed by Qais Ahmed. In the end, a quick knock from Roshon Primus helped SLK cross the 200-run mark. For Barbados, Jason Holder clinched four wickets, while Qais got two scalps.
Barbados Royals’ fell down under pressure
Feeling the heat of the 200+ target, BR never looked in the game. They lost quick wickets in the powerplay and struggled to build a partnership. In the first 10 overs, BR were seven down for just 79 runs. Opener Rahkeem Cornwell got run out on the very first ball, while Kyle Mayers scored 16 runs off 13 balls with the help of two sixes. Justine Greaves and skipper Rovman Powell also got dismissed for ducks.
In the end, a fighting 48-run knock from Nyeem Young helped Barbados score 147/10 in 20 overs. The team fell short by 54 runs and lost the game. Meanwhile, this is the Saint Lucia Kings’ first win in two matches. They had lost their season opener against the Jamaica Tallawahs by 11 runs. In the third game of the season, the Trinbago Knight Riders will take on the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
