The Barbados Royals finally shook off their losing run in the Caribbean Premier League with a commanding 27-run victory over table-topping Saint Lucia Kings at Kensington Oval on Sunday.
Led by captain Rovman Powell’s explosive hitting and Chris Green’s all-round brilliance, the Royals secured their first win in seven outings, keeping faint playoff hopes alive.
Powell and Green change the game
When the Royals slipped to 120 for five in the 16th over, the home side seemed destined for another faltering finish. But Powell turned the tide with a breathtaking 41 not out from just 17 balls, while Green added an unbeaten 25 off 14 deliveries.
The pair bludgeoned 71 runs from the final five overs, including a staggering 61 runs in the last three, to propel the Royals to a season-high 191 for five. Powell cleared the ropes three times and struck four fours, while Green added a six and two boundaries.
Their onslaught dismantled the Kings’ death bowling unit, as David Wiese, Alzarri Joseph, and Delano Potgieter were taken for 20, 21, and 20 runs respectively in successive overs.
St Lucia stumble in reply
The Kings’ chase unraveled almost immediately. Chris Green and Ramon Simmonds combined to remove Johnson Charles and Ackeem Auguste cheaply, before Green struck again to send back Roston Chase, leaving the champions reeling at 26 for three inside four overs.
The collapse deepened when Tim Seifert (24 from 13) fell to Jomel Warrican, while Daniel Sams dismissed Aaron Jones for two. At 61 for five in the 10th over, the contest was effectively sealed.
Though Tim David fought back with a spirited 44 off 28 balls, and cameos from Joseph (23) and Potgieter (22) added resistance, the Kings limped to 164 for nine, well short of their target.
Bowlers deliver the final punch
The Royals’ attack backed up their batters superbly. Simmonds (3-28), Sams (3-31), and Green (2-11) all starred, with Green’s economical spell cementing his Player of the Match accolade.
For the Kings, left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was the lone bright spot, finishing with 3-26 in a losing effort.
Despite the defeat, the Kings remain at the top of the table on 12 points, edging Trinbago Knight Riders on net run rate. The Royals, meanwhile, still face a steep climb, but this win rekindles their hopes and injects belief as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
