The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 edition ended with a thrilling conclusion as the Saint Lucia Kings triumphed over Guyana Amazon Warriors, clinching their first-ever CPL title. This win not only marks a monumental moment for the franchise but also sent social media into a frenzy, with an old tweet by Bollywood icon Salman Khan resurfacing, reigniting conversations among cricket fans and Bollywood enthusiasts alike.
A Sweet Victory for Preity Zinta’s Saint Lucia Kings
Saint Lucia Kings, co-owned by Bollywood star Preity Zinta, achieved their long-awaited CPL glory after overcoming Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final held at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on October 6, 2024. This was a momentous occasion, as the team had never won the CPL before.
Saint Lucia Kings, previously known as St. Lucia Zouks, were rebranded after Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS), which is also co-owned by Zinta, took over the team. The thrilling final saw exceptional performances by Saint Lucia players, who showed their resilience and teamwork throughout the competition.
Salman Khan’s Tweet Adds Nostalgic Flavor to the Celebration
Following Saint Lucia Kings’ maiden title win, Bollywood megastar Salman Khan’s old tweet from 2014 resurfaced, bringing an unexpected yet delightful twist to the CPL 2024 celebrations. The tweet, which simply read:
“Zinta’s team won kya?”
was initially posted after the IPL 2014 final, where Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings narrowly missed their first IPL title, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a nail-biting contest. The Punjab Kings fell just short, losing by three wickets, leaving fans and Zinta heartbroken.
Although Preity’s IPL franchise has yet to win a title, her Saint Lucia Kings’ CPL victory makes Salman’s decade-old tweet unexpectedly relevant. The tweet has resurfaced in the context of the CPL win, making it a full-circle moment for Zinta, as her team finally claims a major title.
A Hard-Fought Battle in the CPL 2024 Final
Saint Lucia Kings’ path to victory wasn’t easy. In the final against Guyana Amazon Warriors, Saint Lucia’s skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and opted to field first. Guyana, however, struggled to build momentum with the bat, finishing with a modest total of 138/8 in their 20 overs.
Saint Lucia’s bowlers, particularly Noor Ahmad, played a pivotal role in restricting Guyana. Ahmad was exceptional, delivering a spellbinding performance of 4-0-19-3. His economical bowling set the tone for the Saint Lucia Kings’ chase.
Guyana did manage to post some resistance with Dwaine Pretorius contributing a late cameo of 25 runs, but it wasn’t enough to mount a competitive total.
Aaron Jones and Roston Chase: The Heroes of the Night
The chase, however, wasn’t without its hiccups. Saint Lucia Kings got off to a shaky start, losing Johnson Charles early in the innings. Even captain Faf du Plessis couldn’t build a significant score, managing only 21 runs off 21 balls.
But as the saying goes, “cometh the hour, cometh the men.” Aaron Jones and Roston Chase stepped up when their team needed them the most. Jones, with a calm and composed 48* off 47 balls, and Chase, with a resilient 39* off 33 balls, forged an unbeaten 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which ultimately sealed the victory for Saint Lucia Kings in just 18.1 overs.
Chase’s all-round performance throughout the match earned him the Player of the Final award. His reliability under pressure and ability to anchor the innings was crucial to his team’s success.
Noor Ahmad Shines Throughout the Tournament
Another star for Saint Lucia Kings was left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, who was rightly named the Player of the Tournament. His impact was felt across all 12 games that he played, bagging an impressive 22 wickets, which not only made him the highest wicket-taker of the tournament but also a nightmare for opposition batsmen. Ahmad’s bowling was instrumental in Saint Lucia’s overall campaign, providing them with crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
Preity Zinta’s Dream Finally Comes True
Preity Zinta, an ardent cricket enthusiast, has been associated with the IPL for over a decade. Her passion for the sport is well-documented, and she has been a consistent presence at IPL games, cheering on Punjab Kings through thick and thin. Despite several near-misses in the IPL, her persistence has paid off with the Saint Lucia Kings’ CPL title.
For Zinta, this win represents much more than a trophy—it’s a culmination of years of dedication and love for cricket. Her emotions were palpable as she celebrated the triumph of her team on social media, sharing heartfelt posts thanking the players, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support.
A Full-Circle Moment for Salman Khan and Preity Zinta
Salman Khan and Preity Zinta have shared a long-standing friendship that dates back to their Bollywood careers. Salman’s simple yet poignant tweet from 2014 now feels prophetic, as Zinta’s team has finally won a major title, albeit in a different league and continent. This moment serves as a testament to Zinta’s perseverance in the world of cricket, and fans can’t help but reminisce about that tweet, which has now gained iconic status in the world of sports and entertainment.
Saint Lucia Kings’ maiden CPL victory will be etched in history as a remarkable achievement, both for the team and for co-owner Preity Zinta. The team’s resilience, coupled with standout performances by Aaron Jones, Roston Chase, and Noor Ahmad, made this a tournament to remember.
As Salman Khan’s tweet continues to trend, it serves as a reminder of how sports, entertainment, and friendships can intertwine to create moments that transcend boundaries. With this CPL win, Zinta’s Saint Lucia Kings have not only made their mark on Caribbean cricket but also etched their name in the annals of T20 franchise cricket.
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