The Saint Lucia Kings finally won the Caribbean Premier League title on October 6, ten long years after waiting for this particular title. They dethroned the defending champions, Guyana Amazon Warriors, on a thrilling final show. To sum up, Saint Lucia became the fifth team in history to win the CPL trophy, thus ending their status of being the only original franchise without a title.
A euphoric moment for the Saint Lucia Kings! 🇱🇨 #CPL24 #CPLFinals #SLKvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/fQZSG3C4WV
---Advertisement---— CPL T20 (@CPL) October 7, 2024
Formerly known as St Lucia Zouks, the Kings have been part of the CPL for a long time without any wins. In 2023 they ended third but were defeated in the playoffs by the now-not-so-potent Jamaica Tallawahs. It’s this season, though, when they clinched the title in style. The final was an incredible fifth-wicket stand between Roston Chase with 39* and Aaron Jones with 48*. Their 88-run association took the Kings home.
Also Read: IND Vs BAN, 1st T20I: A Message From Gautam Gambhir That Did Wonders For Mayank Yadav
The Wait Is Finally Over For Owner Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta who is seen in Indian Premier League as the owner of Punjab Kings would be on cloud nine as her franchise St Lucia Kings finally won their first ever CPL title. The other co-owners are Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman and Karan Paul.
THE WAIT IS OVER FOR PREITY ZINTA…!!!! 🏆
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 7, 2024
– Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman & Karan Paul are the owners of St Lucia (also owns Punjab Kings) have won the CPL 2024. pic.twitter.com/WavlOAYLPq
A Stunning Win For Saint Lucia Kings
At 51 for 4 after 9.5 overs, with skipper Faf du Plessis gone among other big players, Saint Lucia were left between a rock and a hard place. So, while needing 66 runs off the last 30 balls, Chase and Jones took charge; by scoring 47 runs, in just the 16th and 17th overs, which left them with only 19 runs to chase in 18 balls. They comfortably went to chase the target with 11 balls to spare and the match finished on an anticlimactic wide from Imran Tahir.
Congratulations to CPL Finals 2024 Player Of The Match Roston Chase. Brilliant Performance King!#CPL24 #CPLFinals #SLKvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #RepublicBank pic.twitter.com/TrZB5qBjK6
— CPL T20 (@CPL) October 7, 2024
The Kings laid very good foundation with their bowlers. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, they restricted Guyana at 102 for 7 after the first 18 overs. However, the Warriors added 36 in the last two overs to limit their defeat at 138 and give themselves a fighting chance.
Faf Du Plessis’ Believed In Depth Of His Team
The Saint Lucia Kings team captain Faf du Plessis later hailed his side’s fight as resolute, saying,
“It has been special. We’ve been really consistent throughout the competition. At one stage, I thought it was time to pack our bags, but we always believed in the depth of our squad.”
Also Read: IND Vs BAN: BIG Win For Men In Blue! Key Factors Behind Team India’s Victory In 1st T20I
Roston Chase was awarded the Man of the Match for his crucial innings, while Noor Ahmad, who registered an economy of 6.19 runs bagged 22 wickets in the whole season, was declared the Man of the Series.