CASTRIES – The Saint Lucia Kings roared back into the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League title race with a thunderous statement of intent, stunning the previously unbeaten Guyana Amazon Warriors in a four-wicket thriller at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Tuesday night.
Chasing a daunting 203, the reigning champions surged to victory with 11 balls to spare, vaulting into second place in the standings and sending a clear signal that their title defense is very much alive.
Auguste unleashes brilliance
The hero of the night was Ackeem Auguste, who lit up the stadium with a breathtaking 73 from just 35 deliveries in a Player of the Match performance. His fearless strokeplay shredded the Warriors’ attack, anchoring a record-breaking onslaught in the powerplay that ultimately proved decisive.
The Warriors had earlier imposed themselves after choosing to bat, posting a formidable 202 for six, thanks largely to Romario Shepherd’s explosive 73 off 34 balls. The total seemed to put Guyana in command, especially after Johnson Charles fell early in the Kings’ reply for 13.
Powerplay carnage changes the game
Instead of folding, Auguste and New Zealand’s Tim Seifert launched a devastating counterattack. Their partnership plundered 86 runs in the six-over powerplay, ripping apart Guyana’s frontline bowlers and turning the chase from improbable to inevitable.
Though Auguste departed with 63 runs still required, the Kings’ seasoned campaigners ensured no stumble at the finish. Tim David (25), Aaron Jones (16), and captain David Wiese (10 not out) calmly guided the side to 203 for six in 18.1 overs.
Records shattered, momentum shifted
The win was historic: it marked the first time in CPL history that Guyana scored 200-plus and lost, having previously won all 10 such contests. For the Kings, it was also their third straight victory over the Warriors, underscoring a growing dominance in this rivalry.
With just three points now separating five of the six teams, the Kings’ resurgence has set the stage for a tense and unpredictable race to the playoffs.
