The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (ABF) lost to the St Lucia Kings (SLK) in the sixth match of CPL 2024 at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua by seven wickets on Tuesday night.
Winning this match has put the St Lucia Kings (SLK) on the top of the table this season, whereas Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (ABF) still need to register a win in their block.
So far, three games have been played here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. Both batsmen and bowlers have found it a fair challenge on which to play on this well-balanced pitch. Bowlers have succeeded here, but patient and calculated batting can also yield high scores.
At the Richard Stadium, St Lucia Kings hunted for an impressive seven-wicket win against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who lost their fourth straight match of the CPL2024 season. This win has also placed the Kings at the top of the table this season, while Antigua and Barbuda Falcons remain winless in their block.
St Lucia Kings captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and chose to field first. The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons batted first and put up a target of 143 in 20 overs.
Justin Greaves top-scored with 36 runs; despite his efforts, the Falcons never really got into their action against the St. Lucia King’s aggressive bowling attack. Although Imad Wasim contributed 29, and Fakhar Zaman added 21, the Falcons found it hard to win against the St Lucia Kings and challenge their bowlers.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmed was the star with the ball for the St Lucia Kings, scoring 3-18 from his four overs. While Roston Chase – 1-11, David Wiese – 1-20, Khary Pierre – 1-26 and Alzarri Joseph – 1-33, restricting Falcon batters to score in powerplay over and surrender.
Johnson Charles, the opener for St Lucia Kings, led the chase with steady control and played a brilliant knock, undefeated on 47*. Faf du Plessis, who scored 28, and young Ackeem Auguste, who scored an impressive 27, supported him. With an explosive 26*, Tim Seifert ensured the Kings quickly reached the target, reaching 144-3 in just 17 overs.
As Seifert hits him for three sixes and four to win the match, Mohammad Amir is hit for a six for the second time in this tournament. Noor Ahmed became the Player of the Match with his outstanding performance of 3/18 in his four overs.
The St Lucia Kings maintained their lead in the CPL standings with this victory, while the Falcons are still without a win and will need to work hard to turn things around this season.
