In a rain-shortened 18-over encounter at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, the Barbados Tridents edged out the St Lucia Kings by nine runs. After being sent in to bat, the Tridents posted a competitive total of 177 for 5. While Zachary Carter departed early, a 56-run partnership between Brandon King and Quinton de Kock stabilized the innings. Captain Roston Chase eventually dismissed both, but the momentum shifted when Sherfane Rutherford arrived at the crease with the score at 90 for 3 in the 10th over.
Rutherford delivered a blistering 31-ball 61, featuring three fours and five sixes. He targeted Matthew Forde early in his knock and secured his first CPL half-century in three years with consecutive sixes in the 17th over. Although he fell in the final over, a last-ball maximum from Chris Green ensured the Tridents reached their 177-run total. Roston Chase was the standout bowler for the Kings, finishing with figures of 2 for 30.
The Kings’ pursuit began with Roston Chase playing aggressively, hitting four fours and two sixes after opening the batting. Despite a 41-run opening partnership, the Tridents struck back quickly, removing both openers within two overs. The Kings faced further adversity when Jewel Andrew retired hurt in the eighth over following an injury sustained while attempting a quick single. Ackeem Auguste kept the chase alive with a 63-run effort, including three sixes off Ramon Simmonds in the 12th over, but he eventually fell to Gudakesh Motie, who finished with an impressive 3 for 22.
The match reached a tense conclusion as the Kings required 29 runs off the final over. Daniel Sams had previously kept hopes alive by hitting consecutive sixes off Amari Goodridge in the penultimate over. In the final set, Matthew Forde struck two fours and a six against Ramon Simmonds, putting the bowler under immense pressure. Simmonds recovered by bowling a slower delivery on the fourth ball to restrict Forde, then dismissed Joshua Bishop on the fifth. Despite Maheesh Theekshana hitting a boundary off the final ball, the Tridents successfully defended their total to claim the victory. The report also notes that chasing 178 for victory, St Lucia Kings captain Roston Chase assumed the aggressor’s role, striking four fours and two sixes after opening the batting once more. The report also notes that he had little support at the other end as he contributed 45 in a 55-run stand with Charith Asalanka. The report also notes that after the Kings had opted to field, rain delayed the start and eventually reduced the game to 18 overs a side. The report also notes that lucia Kings 168/7 in 18 overs (Ackeem Auguste 63; Gudakesh Motie 3-22) by 9 runs.
