The Saint Lucia Kings executed a stunning last-ball victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) opener. They bravely pursued a challenging target of 203 runs, accomplishing the feat with two balls to spare before the match concluded. The historic Brian Lara Cricket Academy hosted the tournament-opening match. Romario Shepherd led an unbelievable effort and was integral to the Kings’ climactic win.
It was then that Oshane Thomas threw the best pitch I’ve ever seen to win a Test match. Unfortunately, for that one delivery, it proved very costly for his club. This last delivery, which proved to be an expensive one worth 22 runs, was cleared deep over square-leg for a 95-meter six from Shepherd. Thomas’s over became infamous as it contributed significantly to the Warriors’ total, which reached 202 runs for the loss of six wickets.
Shepherd’s explosive batting performance saw him finish unbeaten on 73 runs off just 34 balls, making him a critical asset in the Kings’ successful chase. Along the way, solid support came from Karima Gore, whose deserving innings ended not out on 52 runs from 47 balls. How well the Kings handled the weight of having to go for such a big total was impressive, and it highlighted their poise and elite mental fortitude.
Keon Gaston’s 17 th over proved to be a turning point in the Warriors contest. That’s 12 balls faced from those six wides, accounting for a pretty damning 27 runs, making it all the more difficult for them to defend their total.
Powered by Shepherd’s leadership, the Warriors hung tough, forcing turnovers and taking charges. The Kings didn’t panic and they ran their comeback in beautifully efficient fashion. They went on to score 207 runs with 6 wickets remaining to win the match by 4 wickets.
“We just are working through that. He is keen to come back.” – Tom Moody
This game was a reminder Adam Zampa should be heavily featured in all formats of the game for the foreseeable future. The leg-spinner, who was on the Oval Invincibles’ squads during their Championship seasons in 2023 and 2024, has recently made himself known for Australia. He played against South Africa in a 50-over match in Queensland.
Zampa was a big success in this year’s T20 Blast for Surrey, making an immediate impact both on and off the field. Negotiations are still continuing between Zampa and the Oval Invincibles on whether he can sign in time to play in Sunday’s Hundred final. Tom Moody remarked on Zampa’s familiarity with both the Invincibles and Surrey, stating, “He is familiar with this group and Surrey as well, having played in the Blast.”
Additionally, Zampa is set to represent Surrey in the T20 Blast quarter-final against Northamptonshire three days after the Hundred final on September 3.
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