CPL 2023: Kings reign supreme over Royals

The Saint Lucia Kings reclaimed the top spot in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a dominant 90-run victory over the Barbados Royals.

The Royals won the toss and opted to field first, but they were to run into Johnson Charles in imperious form. The opener blasted 78, and contributions at the back end saw the Kings post a healthy 195/6.

In reply, the Royals’ chase was over before it began, as they lost the top five batters inside the PowerPlay. They never recovered from that huge setback and were eventually all out for 105.

The Kings got their innings off to a tremendous start, led by the power of Johnson Charles.

Having reached 69/0 at the end of the PowerPlay, the foundation was set for a huge total, and they were able to reach 97 before the loss of their first wicket, Colin Munro holing out to the deep square boundary for 33.

Sean Williams’ stay at the crease was brief, but at the other end, Charles continued to make hay. Only when Jason Holder returned in the 16^th over did the Kings’ momentum get momentarily halted. Two wickets in the over saw the departure of Shadrack Descarte and Charles himself for 78.

However, quick-fire contributions at the death from Roshon Primus, Sikander Raza, and Roston Chase ensured the Kings set an imposing total.

The Royals never got to grips with the chase and were effectively out of the contest by the end of the PowerPlay.

Alzarri Joseph, Matthew Forde, and Roshon Primus were destroyers in chief as they ran through the top five batters to leave the Royals 40/5 at the end of the first six overs.

Despite a few big hits from the lower middle order, the Royals suffered without a firm base to build from and eventually folded for 105 all out.

The victory for the Kings sent them back to the top of the table, while the Barbados Royals will look to bounce back against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the last game of the Barbados leg. (CPLT20)