Shamsi spins Saint Lucia Kings into playoffs

Cricket News: Saint Lucia Kings Qualify for CPL 2025 Playoffs

Saint Lucia Kings have secured a spot in the CPL 2025 playoffs after trouncing Trinbago Knight Riders in a dominating display of spin bowling.

The match got off to a disastrous start for TKR with Colin Munro departing second ball off Pierre and Darren Bravo top-edging one to the short fine-leg fielder. Nicholas Pooran, however, found his mojo with two consecutive sixes off David Wiese.

Despite showing flashes of life, TKR's batting continued to falter, with the introduction of Shamsi striking dividends immediately as he got Akeal Hosein for a first-ball duck. Pooran under-edged Chase to the 'keeper and Russell's counter-punch was short-lived, as Shamsi spun one to knock back his middle stump.

The pitch continued to aid spin, with Shamsi producing another ripper soon after to get rid of Kieron Pollard with the score at only 82. The final few overs saw Terrence Hinds and Nathan Edwards take TKR past the 100-mark before Delano Potgeiter struck twice in an over, while Alzarri Joseph finished the innings with the wicket of Edwards.

Saint Lucia Kings began their reply in style with Tim Seifert smashing 14 runs off the first over with two boundaries and a six. He continued to back his shots with back-to-back boundaries off Sunil Narine, but his partner Johnson Charles miscued one to long-on.

Seifert and Ackeem Auguste then put on a crucial 40-run stand with the latter being the aggressor before Seifert fell for a well-made 36. Chase found some timely boundaries while David smashed two sixes as the Kings wrapped up a flawless performance.

Match Details:

• Match Result: Saint Lucia Kings won by 7 wickets
• Man of the Match: Tabraiz Shamsi
• Scorecard:
  • Trinbago Knight Riders 109 in 18.1 overs
  • Saint Lucia Kings 112/3 in 11.1 overs