CPL 2024 Match 5 review: Kings edge out Patriots making a comeback

The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots lost their fifth Caribbean Premier League (CPL) game at Basseterre, despite a tournament-record second-wicket partnership of 199 runs between Kyle Mayers and Evin Lewis. With 16 balls left, the St Lucia Kings orchestrated an icy-cold run chase to win five wickets. The evening was brightened by an undefeated century from Lewis off 54 balls and 92 from Mayers from 62 deliveries. The Patriots combination combined to knock 16 sixes and 13 fours, setting a demanding target of 201/3.

Early in their reaction, the Kings appeared to have virtually lost the game. After opening, captain Faf du Plessis was caught for two by fellow countryman Anrich Nortje, the score was 24/4 in just four overs. Mayers then used the ball to deal early damage, dismissing Johnson Charles and Ackeem Auguste.

St Lucia Kings wins the 5th match in CPL 2024:

The Kings responded so quickly that it appeared as though the game was over. With the score at 24/4 after four overs, captain and first man Faf du Plessis was dismissed for two by fellow countryman Anrich Nortje, and Mayers caused early damage with the ball in hand to remove Ackeem Auguste and Johnson Charles.

Rain fell at Warner Park, but not enough to save the Patriots; all of their bowlers, with the exception of Nortje, who finished with 2/29 from his four overs, shipped a lot of runs. Team captain Andre Fletcher hinted that for his team to compete, they will need to get better.

Fletcher stated following the game, "We are not assisting the bowlers as a fielding unit. We cannot expect to win games against strong batting lineups while dropping catches. We must field well and acknowledge that catches win games."

The St. Lucia Kings are off to a strong start in the 2024 season, winning their first game. However, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, who have only won once in their first three games, have a lot to think about.

Keep a watch at this space for more CPL 2024 updates.