The Barbados Royals kept their composure in a tense encounter last night, edging out the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by two wickets in a thrilling Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match.
After being asked to bat first at Warner Park, the Patriots endured a disastrous start, collapsing to 0-3 before managing to recover to 153-8, thanks to a brisk 82-run partnership between Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (40) and Mikyle Louis (30). The Royals found the chase challenging but ultimately prevailed, with Nyeem Young smashing a six over mid-off on the penultimate ball to secure a valuable win and full points from their two matches.
The Patriots’ innings began in tatters as their top three batsmen were dismissed for ducks – a historic low in the CPL. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana struck early, trapping Evin Lewis lbw with just his second ball. Moments later, Theekshana produced a superb delivery that spun sharply and breached the defences of Kyle Mayers, who walked off in disbelief. Andre Fletcher followed soon after, lbw to Dunith Wellalage, as the Patriots slumped further. However, a counterattack from Hasaranga and Louis quickly shifted the momentum, with the Royals struggling to contain the onslaught.
Naveen-ul-Haq bore the brunt of the attack, conceding 16 runs in a frantic powerplay. Louis eventually holed out in the ninth over, sparking another collapse as the Patriots lost Sherfane Rutherford and Hasaranga in the space of six deliveries. Theekshana thought he had Clarkson lbw, but a successful review overturned the decision. Clarkson laboured at the crease but batted through, supported by a quickfire 29 off 14 balls from John.
The Royals’ response mirrored the Patriots’ shaky start, losing Rahkeem Cornwall for a duck to the second ball, bowled by Mayers. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje then rattled Quinton de Kock with a blow to the body before the South African struck back with a six. However, De Kock was bowled in the fifth over by a persistent Mayers. Player of the Match Wellalage then steadied the innings with a composed knock of 39, which included five boundaries, before being run out.
Rovman Powell’s dismissal came shortly after, as he chopped a quick Nortje delivery onto his stumps, leaving the Royals at 126-6 with only Jason Holder and Young as recognised batsmen. Young, a former St Michael School pupil, chipped away at the target, but when Holder was dismissed at the start of the final over, eight runs were still required. A fortunate inside edge from Young found the boundary, and now imbued with confidence, he lofted Ryan John over mid-off and into the stands to seal a thrilling victory.
Summarised Scores:
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 153-8 (Wanindu Hasaranga 40, Mikyle Louis 30; Dunith Wellalage 3-35, Maheesh Theekshana 2-16)
Barbados Royals 157-8 (Dunith Wellalage 39, Kadeem Alleyne 30; Kyle Mayers 2-17, Ryan John 1-16)
Result: Barbados Royals win by two wickets
(Written by Jonteau Coppin)
