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Rizwan, Naseem's Efforts Go In Vain As Kings Humiliate Patriots In St Lucia

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Tim Seifert and Johnson Charles [Source:@ESPNcricinfo/x.com]Tim Seifert and Johnson Charles [Source:@ESPNcricinfo/x.com]

A blazing start from Johnson Charles and a steady fifty from Tim Seifert powered St Lucia Kings to a commanding 7-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Tabraiz Shamsi’s brilliant spell ensured the Kings controlled the game from start to finish.

Rizwan and Mayers Lift Patriots to 177

Put in to bat first at Gros Islet, the Patriots built steadily after losing Evin Lewis early for 18. 

A steady knock of Andre Fletcher of 37 off 23 helped Patriots set the tone, but it was the Pakistani star wicket-keeper who anchored the innings, playing an unbeaten knock of 60 from 41 deliveries. To add the finishing touches, it was the skipper Jason Holder who played a cameo of 14 deliveries, smashing 21 off it. Despite Shamsi’s suffocating spell of 2/17, the Patriots reached a competitive 177/3.

Charles Turns On the Heat

The Kings’ response was nothing short of a blitz. Johnson Charles announced an all-out assault with his bat, smashing 47 from just 17 balls at a strike rate of 276. His innings, packed with five fours and four sixes, put the chase on turbo mode. By the time Charles departed, the Kings had already motored to 85 inside seven overs, leaving the Patriots’ bowlers shell-shocked. A significant moment in the match was also the drizzle that helped the ball get wet, hence it was easier for the batter to smash boundaries for fun. 

Seifert Steers the Chase

While Charles lit up the Powerplay, Tim Seifert never stepped back. The New Zealand wicketkeeper brought composure, precision, and aggression in equal measure, scoring 68 off 45 balls. His partnerships with Charles and Ackeem Auguste (29 off 20) ensured the chase never slipped out of their hands. The Kings stormed to the target in just 17 overs, with Seifert’s sixes and boundaries keeping the momentum relentless.

Shamsi Spins the Web

Beyond the fireworks with the bat, the Kings owed much to Tabraiz Shamsi. His spell of 2/17 in four overs was the standout in an otherwise high-scoring contest. By removing Andre Fletcher and Kyle Mayers, he cut short the Patriots’ acceleration and proved why wrist-spin remains a priceless weapon in T20 cricket. 

Kings Cement Their Top Spot

The seven-wicket win with 18 balls to spare reaffirmed St Lucia Kings’ position as table-toppers. For the Patriots, despite Rizwan’s first big score of the season, their bowling lacked penetration. Against a side brimming with batting power, it was never going to be enough.