The St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots produced a remarkable batting performance to chase down 218 and defeat the Barbados Tridents by six wickets in a thrilling Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League contest at Warner Park.
Johnson Charles led the early assault with a brilliant 78 before Andre Fletcher completed the fourth-highest successful run chase in CPL history. The Patriots reached their target with five balls remaining, ending the match in dramatic fashion when Fletcher struck a towering six.
The result gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate and lifted the Patriots in an important contest between two teams near the bottom of the standings. Quinton de Kock’s outstanding century was not enough to prevent defeat for the Tridents.
Sent in to bat, the visitors lost Brandon King after only eight deliveries. However, Zachary Carter and de Kock quickly took control with an attacking 116-run partnership.
Carter displayed tremendous power, clearing the boundary seven times during his 57. De Kock was equally effective but relied on timing and placement to repeatedly find gaps in the field.
The Patriots also contributed to their own difficulties by dropping three straightforward catches during the partnership. Carter’s dismissal brought some relief, but de Kock continued to dominate alongside Sherfane Rutherford.
De Kock reached his century from 54 balls, becoming the fourth batter to score a hundred during the CPL season. His excellent innings ended on 106 when Navin Bidaisee, who had earlier dropped a chance, redeemed himself with a superb running catch.
Chris Green and Rivaldo Clarke carried the Tridents to an imposing 217 for four. Wanindu Hasaranga was the Patriots’ most economical bowler, returning figures of one for 22. He was the only member of the seven-man attack who bowled more than one over and finished with an economy rate below 10.
Needing a rapid start, the Patriots found their answer through Charles. The experienced opener attacked from the beginning and ensured the required scoring rate remained within reach during the Power Play.
There was controversy when Charles struck a full toss towards deep midwicket and was caught. He began walking off as the Patriots protested that the delivery should have been called a no-ball.
The third umpire reviewed the incident and overturned the dismissal, allowing Charles to return to the crease. He then added to the Tridents’ frustration by smashing the free hit for six.
Charles and Kyle Mayers continued to score freely before the visitors found a fortunate breakthrough. Rutherford deflected a straight drive from Charles onto the stumps, leaving Mayers stranded outside his crease.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman later removed Charles for 78, seemingly putting the Tridents back in control. However, the Patriots refused to allow the chase to collapse.
Dasun Shanaka, Jason Holder, Fletcher and Hasaranga all provided valuable contributions as the home side kept pace with the required rate. Fletcher then sealed the memorable victory with a six, triggering wild celebrations around Warner Park.
The Patriots will complete their home leg against the Saint Lucia Kings in two days. The Tridents will return to Barbados to begin their home fixtures on Saturday against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders.
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