CPL 2026: Saint Lucia Kings edged by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots despite strong contributions from Kamil Pooran and Jewel Andrew
Gros Islet, August 13
Saint Lucia Kings were unable to convert a promising start into a winning performance, going down by five wickets to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in their CPL 2026 fixture at home in Gros Islet, early on Thursday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Kings posted 155 for 8, with Kamil Pooran and Jewel Andrew putting together a strong third-wicket partnership to give the hosts momentum through the middle overs, according to a press release from the franchise.
However, SKN Patriots bowlers Jason Holder and Saurabh Netravalkar, who claimed three wickets apiece, restricted the Kings from pushing towards a big total.
Pooran led the scoring for the Kings with an aggressive 30-ball 54, striking boundaries at regular intervals after the hosts lost both Andries Gous and Ackeem Auguste during the powerplay. Andrew provided excellent support, scoring 58 from 42 deliveries as the pair added 82 runs from 51 balls.
Following Pooran's dismissal, Andrew combined with Charith Asalanka for another 39 runs, but the scoring rate was slow. The hosts managed only 22 runs during the final five overs.
Patriots began their chase positively, with Kyle Mayers contributing 32 from just 16 balls during a 34-run partnership with Andre Fletcher.
Andre Fletcher anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 48 from 41 balls. The opener found support from Kevin Wickham, Jason Holder and Dasun Shanaka, who chipped in with 19, 10 and 12 runs respectively to help SKN Patriots register their first win of the season, with 14 balls to spare.
Saint Lucia Kings will turn its attention to the next fixture against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons early on Saturday.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Jason Holder is just class, yaar! Three wickets and then a crucial 10 runs with the bat. The man knows how to win matches from any situation. Also, Andre Fletcher's unbeaten 48 was pure experience - steady and composed. 👏
Honestly, the Kings' bowling attack looked clueless in the powerplay. Mayers tore into them from the first over itself. You can't win tournaments with such one-dimensional bowling. Need to bring in a proper death bowler, otherwise this pattern will continue throughout the season.
Jewel Andrew is one for the future, no doubt. 58 from 42 at this age is impressive stuff. But the senior players need to step up - you can't expect young guns to win you matches every time. Also, that final over batting collapse is worrying signs for the tournament ahead. 😬
The Saint Lucia crowd must be disappointed but credit to SKN Patriots for a professional chase. Netravalkar with 3 wickets is a big positive for the Patriots - his swing in the powerplay is world-class. Exciting tournament ahead, that's for sure! 🏏
Why is nobody talking about the slow over rate from the Kings? They were clueless in the field too. 155 was a par score on this wicket, but the way they bowled, they made it look like 120. Need serious introspection before the next game against Antigua.
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