Andries Gous struck a commanding 82 before Saint Lucia Kings survived a late assault from Fabian Allen to secure a tense four-run victory over the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League last night.
The Kings, who won the toss and elected to bat at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, posted 187 for eight from their 20 overs. The Falcons threatened to complete another dramatic chase but finished on 183 for seven as Matthew Forde held his nerve in the final over.
Gous, who was named Player of the Match, was the backbone of the Kings’ innings. The wicketkeeper-batter blasted six fours and six sixes in his 51-ball knock, keeping the scoreboard moving despite wickets falling around him.
Kamil Pooran gave the innings an explosive start with 14 from six balls before he was caught off Fabian Allen at 23 for one. Ackeem Auguste made 18 from 20 deliveries, while Jewel Andrew contributed five.
Captain Roston Chase struck two fours in a quick 10 from six balls, but the Kings slipped to 99 for four in the 12th over. Gous continued to attack and reached his half-century from 31 deliveries.
Darren Nedd made 13, while Forde added a useful 15 from eight balls. A rain interruption arrived with the Kings on 150 for five after 17 overs, with Gous unbeaten on 76.
The Kings maintained their momentum when play resumed, adding another 37 runs from the final three overs. Gous was eventually caught by Evin Lewis off Shamar Springer for 82 at 156 for six.
Shadley van Schalkwyk then smashed an unbeaten 10 from four balls, while McKenny Clarke finished undefeated on 15 from only five deliveries. Their late hitting lifted the Kings to a challenging 187 for eight.
Alzarri Joseph led the Falcons’ bowling with three for 32 from four overs. Springer claimed two for 39, while Allen, Rahkeem Cornwall and Usama Mir collected one wicket each.
The Falcons made a flying start to their chase, racing to 65 for one at the end of the Powerplay. Cornwall struck 27 from 13 balls, including two fours and three sixes, before Maheesh Theekshana held a return catch to end the opening partnership at 36.
Lewis and Tim Robinson then added 56 runs for the second wicket. Robinson made 30 from 20 deliveries before falling to Theekshana, while Lewis continued the charge with an impressive 48 from 24 balls, decorated with two fours and five sixes.
Lewis’ dismissal to Joshua Bishop at 116 for three shifted the momentum. Karima Gore was removed for two by Chase, leaving the Falcons on 126 for four.
Tajinder Singh battled for 21 from 21 deliveries, but the required rate continued to rise as boundaries became difficult to find. Chase ended his resistance in the 16th over after a series of dot balls increased the pressure.
Theekshana and Chase were the outstanding bowlers for the Kings, both finishing with two for 18 from four overs. Van Schalkwyk also delivered a tight 17th over, conceding only four runs to leave the Falcons needing 39 from the final three overs.
Allen revived the chase with an unbeaten 28 from 17 balls. He struck 17 runs from the penultimate over, including a six and a four, to reduce the equation to 13 runs from the final six deliveries.
Forde, however, remained composed. Jahmar Hamilton was run out for 10 before Springer struck a four and benefited from a wide, giving the Falcons a late opening. With five needed from the final delivery, Forde dismissed Springer for four to seal the victory.
The result gave the Kings two points from their opening match, while the Falcons moved to one win and one defeat after two appearances.
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