CPL 2021 | SLK vs BR: Faf du Plessis, David Wiese script easy win for Kings against Royals

Saint Lucia Kings were finally back on track after beating Barbados Royals by 14 runs (DLS Method) in a rain-curtailed match on Saturday in St Kitts.

Batting first, the Kings posted 175/6 in 20 overs after captain Faf du Plessis unleashed another masterclass in the tournament as he struck 84 off 54 during the course. Apart from Faf, Tim David and Keemo Paul also chipped in with some crucial runs at the end.

While David scored 23-ball 34, Paul remained unbeaten at 22 off 11. Mohammad Amir returned with a couple of wickets at the cost of 31 runs in 4 overs for the Royals while Hayden Walsh picked up one wicket for 25 runs in his allotted 4 overs.

Later, the target for the Barbados side was reduced to 170 in 19 overs. The Royals had a disappointing start to the chase as they lost Mayers early in the innings but Johnson Charles and Shai Hope steadied the ship for the side and put 64 runs for the second wicket.

But Charles’ departure saw a fall of wickets in quick succession as Barbados lost three wickets in one over and the Royals were soon reduced to 118/7. Walsh and Joshua Bishop tried to hold the fort as the two batters built a partnership of 36 runs but failed to take the team over the line.

David Wiese rattled the Barbados middle-order as he bagged a five-wicket haul.

Kings’ skipper Faf hailed his team’s efforts and expressed his delight at the win. “Difficult to say with these things, probably have to go for a scan (issue with his leg). Not looking too good for tomorrow. Great win. The toss was massive. To get to 170 or so on a wicket like that was a very good score,” he said after the match.

Holder admitted that it was an achievable total but the fall of wickets in quick succession pushed them on the backfoot. “Still gettable on this wicket. That three wickets in one over cost us. Struggled for runs. Just a case where batters didn't put their hands up,” he said.

The two teams will now face each other on Sunday in St Kitts.

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