The Saint Lucia Kings have advanced to the final of the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after defeating reigning champions Guyana Amazon Warriors by 15 runs in a rain-affected match at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
The Warriors will now face the Barbados Royals in a do-or-die eliminator on Friday, with the winner earning the right to challenge the Kings in the final on Sunday.
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss proved to be a smart decision for the Kings, particularly with the weather conditions in mind. Captain Faf du Plessis led from the front, as he and Johnson Charles built a commanding opening partnership of 124 runs. Their efforts helped propel the Kings to a formidable total of 198/5 in their 20 overs.
Charles was eyeing a century before he was dismissed for 79 from 45 balls, caught at long-on by Keemo Paul off Moeen Ali’s bowling. Du Plessis, who contributed a solid half-century, was also sent back to the pavilion after Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulled off an excellent catch off a powerful shot down the ground, bowled by Shamar Joseph.
The Warriors’ bowlers did well to limit further damage, with Moeen Ali once again showing his class by claiming 2/24 in his four overs, ensuring the target was within reach.
In reply, Guyana Amazon Warriors were at 106/4 after 13 overs when rain began to disrupt proceedings. With the required run rate climbing, the interruption eventually became decisive. The Warriors were trailing on the DLS method and still needed 92 runs from 42 balls when the umpires halted play due to heavier rainfall.
Shimron Hetmyer, who was looking dangerous with 37 runs off 18 balls, had just unleashed a flurry of four sixes off Noor Ahmad and Roston Chase. Moeen Ali had also joined him at the crease, and the Warriors were gearing up for a big finish before the weather intervened.
Despite their attacking efforts, Guyana was well behind the DLS target of 121 when the match was finally abandoned after an hour-long rain delay. This result handed the Kings a place in the final while forcing the Warriors into a must-win clash against the Royals.
With Saint Lucia Kings now just one win away from claiming their first-ever CPL title, they await either the Warriors or the Royals in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
