A Night to Remember in Gros Islet: Kings Chase Down 203 in Style:
It was a clear starlit night at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet when the Saint Lucia Kings conjured up a dramatic four-wicket win over a strong Guyana Amazon Warriors outfit on the night of August 26 -27, 2025. The Kings overcame early deficit despite being the defending champions and posted a record 200+ total-the first time that the Warriors lost after posting a 200+ total
Guyana Amazon Warriors Set a daunting Target:
The Warriors were off to a bad start when the vastly experienced Ben McDermott (30 off 18) was caught off Gaston, and thereafter Kevlon Anderson and Moeen Ali were also dismissed. The team lost its way to 44-3 after powerplay.
In the meantime, Shimron Hetmyer fell victim to a barrage of miscommunication and Tim David effected a blistering catch on Shai Hope to seal another wicket. When the Kings were 78/5 in the 13th, it appeared they had the match by its throat
Then Came Romario Shepherd In one of the most spectacular hitting performances, Shepherd smashed Oshane Thomas all over in an over which fetched him 33 runs inclusive of no-balls and wide deliveries. He ended with a couple of mighty sixes, and Iftikhar Ahmed added some further power to the charge by hitting three other sixes.This was a murderous over that catapulted the run rate and Shepherd proceeded to score 73 off 34*. The Warriors were seemingly looking at a substantial total.
The Warriors finished with 202/6 in 20 overs and many thought this would have won them a third consecutive win over the Kings.
Kings' Chase Ignites: Auguste leads the charge:
The Kings started the chase of 203 in aggressive manner.There was early fireworks by Tim Seifert (37 off 24) and Johnson Charles, but Charles fell away early. However, it was Ackeem Auguste, a 21-year-old who made his mark--coming in at No. 3, he produced an absolute show-stopping 73 off 35 balls, including the fastest fifty of the season, in just 19 balls. His timing, selection of shots and his daring was a pleasure.
- The victory led the Kings into a second place on the points table, a point behind the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, having a game in hand.
- It was the first time that the Warriors lost a match despite scoring more than 200 in CPL history.
- The Kings had a psychological advantage and they had won 3-0 against the Warriors in their recent matches.
- After an incredible comeback, the Kings had created a form of belief and flair, and it has helped them reverse a formidable situation.
- The Success of the Powerplay by the Kings: The initial aggression by Seifert and Auguste took the game in their control and cancelled out the careful bowling of Warriors
- Shepherd Heroics Too Late: Shepherd brought Guyana back into the game with his blistering over, but by then, the damage was done as the Kings did not fall before it could matter.
- Subdued Death Bowling: Once Shepherd had exploded, Wiese and Gaston rolled their arm over with economy when it was needed, keeping the damage down.
- Mental Advantage: The confidence of the Kings, which was helped by the fireworks of Auguste and the fans and family present, was priceless when the situation came down to the wire.