The Barbados Royals secured a nail-biting two-wicket victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, thanks to Nyeem Young’s heroics in the final over of the match. The Royals chased down a target of 154 in dramatic fashion, continuing their unbeaten start to the season and marking their fifth straight victory over the Patriots.
Patriots’ Early Collapse
Sent in to bat, the Patriots endured a historic collapse, with their top three batters dismissed for ducks — a CPL first. Maheesh Theekshana set the tone early, trapping Evin Lewis lbw on the second ball of the innings and bowling Kyle Mayers with a sharp delivery two balls later. Andre Fletcher then fell lbw to Dunith Wellalage, leaving the Patriots reeling at 0/3.
However, a rapid counterattack from Wanindu Hasaranga and Mikyle Louis steadied the Patriots’ innings, with the pair adding an 82-run partnership. Louis’s dismissal in the ninth over sparked another collapse, as the Patriots lost Sherfane Rutherford and Hasaranga in quick succession. Josh Clarkson and Ryan John provided late resistance, with John hitting 29 off 14 balls to help the Patriots reach 153/8 in their 20 overs.
Royals’ Nerve-Jangling Chase
The Royals also started poorly, losing Rahkeem Cornwall for a duck on the second ball of their innings, followed by the dismissal of Quinton de Kock in the fifth over, bowled by Mayers. Despite these early setbacks, the Royals managed to hold their ground through the middle overs, with Dunith Wellalage playing a steady hand.
The game reached its climax in the final over, with the Royals needing eight runs to win. Jason Holder was dismissed off the first ball, caught brilliantly by Josh Clarkson at deep backward square. However, Nyeem Young held his nerve, edging the third ball to the boundary before smashing a six over mid-off on the penultimate delivery to seal a thrilling victory for the Royals.
Key Performances:
- Nyeem Young: 17* off 7 balls, including the match-winning six.
- Maheesh Theekshana: 2/16, early wickets set the tone for the Royals’ bowling attack.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 40 off 27 balls, crucial in stabilizing the Patriots’ innings.
- Mikyle Louis: 30 off 20 balls, part of the 82-run partnership with Hasaranga.
Brief Scores:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 153/8 (Wanindu Hasaranga 40, Mikyle Louis 30, Dunith Wellalage 3/35, Maheesh Theekshana 2/16)
Barbados Royals: 157/8 in 19.5 overs (Dunith Wellalage 39, Kadeem Alleyne 30, Kyle Mayers 2/17, Veerasammy Permaul 1/16)
Result: Barbados Royals beat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by 2 wickets.
Player of the Match: Dunith Wellalage – 39 (32) & 3/35
The victory keeps the Barbados Royals unbeaten at the top of the table, while the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots find themselves at the bottom with just one win. The Royals will look to continue their momentum in CPL 2024, while the Patriots will need to regroup and turn things around in the coming matches.
