Barbados Tridents remained unbeaten in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 with a nine-run victory over the Saint Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The result moved the Tridents to the top of the table after Match 9 of the tournament.
Sherfane Rutherford smashed his second consecutive half-century in a match reduced to 18 overs per side after rain delayed the start by more than an hour. Akeem Auguste also reached a personal milestone with an impressive innings, but his efforts ultimately proved in vain as the Tridents’ bowlers turned the screw during the latter stages of the Kings’ chase.
When play finally got underway, the Tridents showed no signs of being disrupted by the long wait, coming out firing in the Power Play. Quinton de Kock was particularly impressive, smashing 38 from just 15 balls before falling to Roston Chase. His explosive start helped the Tridents post 61 runs in the 5.2-over Power Play, with Brandon King providing stability at the other end.
Rutherford then took charge, making the most of the windy conditions that had already caused problems for the Kings in the field. The left-hander struck 61 from 31 balls and combined with Rivaldo Clarke for a 79-run partnership, powering the Tridents to a highly competitive 177 for 6 from their 18 overs.
Chase continued his excellent tournament with 2 for 30, maintaining his position as the competition’s leading wicket-taker. Shadley van Schalkwyk also bowled effectively, finishing with 2 for 25 despite conceding a six from the final ball of the innings.
Chase then gave the Kings’ reply an explosive start, striking 34 from 21 balls at the top of the order. The home side kept pace with the Tridents during the early stages of the chase, with the two teams virtually neck and neck through the first 10 overs.
After Chase was dismissed, Saint Lucian Akeem Auguste stepped up for the Kings. He battled tirelessly against the Tridents attack, producing an impressive 63 from just 34 balls before Gudakesh Motie finally ended his innings.
The momentum then shifted decisively when Jewel Andrew was forced to retire hurt. The Kings struggled to break free against the relentless spin of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Motie, who combined for five wickets while conceding just 53 runs from their eight overs.
That spell proved crucial. Despite a late counterattack from Amari Goodridge and Matthew Forde, the Kings were left with too much ground to make up and ultimately fell nine runs short.
Daniel Sams once again proved reliable at the death. After an expensive spell earlier in the innings, he returned to claim the key wicket of Goodridge, who had briefly reignited the Kings’ hopes with back-to-back sixes.
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The Kings will now turn their attention to the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Wednesday night, while the Tridents travel to Antigua to take on the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.