Saint Lucia Kings scored 198/5 in 20 overs, where as Guyana Amazon Warriors scored 106/4 in 13 overs.
So, finally Saint Lucia Kings beat Guyana Amazon Warriors by 15 runs (DLS method).
Johnson Charles (79 off 45) and Faf du Plessis (57 off 36) extended their impressive partnership form this season, guiding the Saint Lucia Kings to a 15-run victory (via DLS method) over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in Qualifier 1.
Their half-centuries propelled the Kings to an imposing total of 198/5, a target that proved too challenging for the Warriors, who were reduced to 106/4 before rain interrupted play, leaving the hosts behind the DLS par score.
Despite Shimron Hetmyer’s (37* off 18) late resistance, the early loss of wickets made it difficult for the Warriors to keep up with the DLS target.
For the Kings, the tried-and-tested formula of Charles and Faf laying a solid foundation worked yet again.
Charles, in particular, was in destructive form, dismantling both pace and spin attacks with ease.
His aggression allowed Faf to settle in, though the South African also capitalized on loose deliveries.
Charles’ marked improvement against spin has been a standout this season, and he once again excelled against the Warriors’ potent spin attack.
The opening pair put on 124 runs in just 70 balls, making batting look easier than it was on the pitch.
After their dismissals, the Warriors managed to rein in the scoring, keeping the total below 200, but it was still a daunting target under the conditions.
Moeen Ali (2-24) and captain Imran Tahir (0-29) were the only Guyana bowlers who managed to escape heavy punishment, as the rest struggled to build pressure.
In a bold move, the Warriors promoted Keemo Paul to open in the tough chase, but the gamble didn’t pay off as he labored to 14 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (24 off 18) and Shai Hope (27 off 22) made promising starts, but neither could convert them, succumbing to the mounting scoreboard pressure.
Hetmyer started cautiously but shifted gears as wickets fell around him, launching an assault on Noor Ahmad with back-to-back sixes, followed by a couple more in the next over off Roston Chase.
Just as the Warriors began to gather momentum, the rain arrived, ending the contest prematurely.
The Warriors still have another opportunity to reach the final, as they now face the Royals in Qualifier 2.
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