In a historic and nail-biting finish, the St. Lucia Kings emerged victorious in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final, claiming their maiden championship title. The Faf du Plessis-led side triumphed over the Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets at Providence Stadium, Guyana, on Sunday, October 6, delivering one of the most exciting CPL finals in recent history.
A Hard-Fought Final in Guyana
Facing a modest target of 139, St. Lucia Kings’ victory did not come without its challenges. The Warriors’ spinners gave nothing away, turning the game into a tense contest. However, a spectacular late partnership between Aaron Jones and Roston Chase turned the match on its head, ensuring St. Lucia’s well-deserved triumph with 11 balls to spare.
This victory also added a somber footnote for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, marking their sixth defeat in a CPL final, as they continue to seek their elusive first title.
Guyana’s Struggles with the Bat
Electing to bat first after losing the toss, the Guyana Amazon Warriors found it tough to gain momentum on a tricky surface. The early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over set the tone for a cautious innings, with Guyana managing just 27 runs during the powerplay.
Despite the best efforts of Shai Hope and Moeen Ali, who attempted to stabilize the innings, the Warriors’ middle-order faltered under pressure. Roston Chase and Noor Ahmed were particularly impressive for St. Lucia, dominating the middle overs and restricting Guyana to 99-7 by the 18th over.
Late Fireworks Lift Guyana to a Defendable Total
It wasn’t until the final overs that the Warriors managed to mount some resistance, thanks to Dwaine Pretorius and Romario Shepherd. Their explosive hitting in the death overs added a crucial 39 runs in the last two overs, pushing Guyana’s total to a somewhat defendable 138-9.
For St. Lucia, Noor Ahmed shone with the ball, picking up three wickets, and ending the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps, a key factor in the Kings’ successful campaign.
St. Lucia’s Response: A Battle of Nerves
Chasing 139, the Kings got off to a solid start, putting up 40 runs in the powerplay. However, Guyana’s spin quartet, led by Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir, Kevin Sinclair, and Moeen Ali, brought the game back in their favor during the middle overs. The pressure mounted as St. Lucia found themselves at 73-4 after 15 overs, needing 66 off the final 30 balls.
Jones and Chase Turn the Tide
Just when the match seemed to be slipping away, Aaron Jones and Roston Chase stepped up to seize control. The turning point came in the 16th over when the duo smashed Moeen Ali for 27 runs, completely flipping the script of the game.
The momentum swung further in St. Lucia’s favor when they followed up with 20 runs off Dwaine Pretorius in the very next over, bringing the equation down to a manageable level. The partnership, filled with confident stroke play and calculated aggression, saw the Kings sail to victory without further loss. Aaron Jones remained unbeaten on 48 off 31 deliveries, a performance that will go down as one of the finest in CPL final history.
Aaron Jones: The Unsung Hero of the Final
For much of the 2024 CPL season, Aaron Jones had struggled to find opportunities, scoring just nine runs across his two previous innings. However, he saved his best for the biggest stage, producing a match-winning knock under immense pressure.
“Five days ago, Aaron Jones said to me that he will win me the CPL final, I swear to God. And we made one change today because the way he looked me in the eye when he said that, I believed him. We did send a message that Moeen Ali’s over had to go for plenty. He found his rhythm, and I guess the message was well delivered,”
St. Lucia head coach Darren Sammy said, clearly moved by the player’s confidence.
St. Lucia’s Road to Victory: Persistence Pays Off
This triumph marks a historic moment for St. Lucia, having come close to CPL glory in both 2020 and 2021. In those years, the Kings finished as runners-up, but their persistence and consistent performances finally bore fruit in 2024.
Key Performances That Led to the Title
- Noor Ahmed played a pivotal role throughout the tournament with his crafty spin bowling. His tally of 22 wickets made him the tournament’s top wicket-taker, capping off his stellar season with three key scalps in the final.
- Nicholas Pooran, although on the losing side, ended the season as the highest run-scorer with 504 runs, solidifying his position as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the CPL.
The St. Lucia Kings’ triumph in the CPL 2024 is a testament to their determination and ability to deliver under pressure. This victory will undoubtedly be remembered for Aaron Jones’ sensational innings and the brilliance of their bowlers, particularly Noor Ahmed.
For the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the wait for a CPL title continues. However, their competitive spirit throughout the tournament ensures that they remain a team to watch in future seasons. As for St. Lucia, their fans can now celebrate a long-awaited and hard-earned title.
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