GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA — Explosive batting from Quinton de Kock and Sherfane Rutherford, combined with a dominant five-wicket display by spinners Gudakesh Motie and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, propelled the Barbados Tridents to a thrilling nine-run victory over the St. Lucia Kings on Sunday night. The win marks the Tridents’ second consecutive victory and moves them to the top of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) standings.
In a rain-shortened match reduced to 18 overs per side at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, the Tridents posted a daunting 177/5 before holding off a spirited chase by the hosts to restrict the Kings to 168/6.
Match Summary & Key Highlights
De Kock & King Spark Early Firepower: After losing Zachary Carter early, Quinton de Kock (38 off 15) and Brandon King (39) launched a fierce counter-attack, capitalising on the powerplay and dismantling the Kings’ attack to lay a rapid foundation.
Rutherford Delivers Late Onslaught: Sherfane Rutherford struck four massive sixes in the closing overs, bringing up a blistering 27-ball half-century (61) to elevate the Tridents to a formidable first-innings total. Shadley van Schalkwyk was the pick of the Kings’ bowlers with 2/25.
Spin Duo Strangles Kings’ Chase: Defending 177, Motie (3/22) and Mujeeb (2/27) ripped through the Kings’ top and middle order, removing both openers early and maintaining crucial pressure during the middle overs.
Auguste’s Counter-Attack Cut Short: Local star Ackeem Auguste kept the Kings in contention with a sensational 63 off 28 balls, including a flurry of sixes to bring the target within reach. However, Motie clean-bowled Auguste in the 14th over to dismantle the Kings’ hopes.
Official Match Scorecard
Barbados Tridents: 177/5 in 18 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 61, Brandon King 39, Quinton de Kock 38; Shadley van Schalkwyk 2/25)
St. Lucia Kings: 168/6 in 18 overs (Ackeem Auguste 63; Gudakesh Motie 3/22, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/27)
Result: Barbados Tridents won by 9 runs (18-over match)
