On September 21, a thrilling clash unfolded in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, featuring the Barbados Royals and St Lucia Kings. Cricket enthusiasts anticipated a run-fest; however, what transpired was a spectacular display of bowling that left fans astonished. The St Lucia Kings’ bowlers dominated the game, sending the batsmen of Barbados Royals packing and securing a historic low score for the team.
The Dazzling Performance of Alzari Joseph
At the forefront of this remarkable bowling display was none other than Alzari Joseph. The impressive right-arm fast bowler managed to claim an astounding 9 wickets throughout the match, a feat that undeniably earned him the Player of the Match accolade. Joseph’s exceptional skills proved too much for the Barbados Royals, who found themselves all out for just 96 runs—marking their third lowest score in T20 international cricket since undergoing their name change.
Strategic Planning Against Quinton de Kock
Joseph executed a meticulously devised strategy targeting Quinton de Kock, the star batsman of the Barbados Royals, who had previously hit an impressive 23 sixes in the tournament. Alzari shared that he opted to bowl around the wicket to de Kock, aiming the deliveries at the stumps—an approach that certainly paid off, as he successfully dismissed the in-form player along with other key batsmen.
Joseph’s Statistical Brilliance
In this match against the Barbados Royals, Alzari Joseph showcased his best performance of the tournament thus far, claiming 4 wickets for just 22 runs in his 4 overs. This remarkable outing increased his overall tally to 9 wickets in 7 matches of CPL 2024. Not only did he remove de Kock and Rahkeem Cornwall at the top of the order, but he also captured the vital wickets of captain Rovman Powell and David Miller, underscoring the effectiveness of his bowling strategy.
Records Tumble as Royals Struggle
The outcome of Joseph’s destructive bowling display was stark: the Barbados Royals managed to muster only 96 runs, marking the third lowest total in T20 history for the team following their rebranding from Barbados Tridents in 2021. They had previously been bowled out for just 61 runs in CPL 2023 and 93 runs in CPL 2021—evidence of the struggles faced by the team in high-pressure situations.
Victory for St Lucia Kings
The St Lucia Kings, under the leadership of Faf du Plessis, made quick work of the modest target set by Barbados Royals. They successfully chased down the required 97 runs with ease, finishing the match with 37 balls to spare and losing only 3 wickets in a blistering 13.5 overs. This decisive victory not only cemented their dominance but also secured their place in the forthcoming playoffs, heightening the excitement for the remaining matches in CPL 2024.
