GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA — The Saint Lucia Kings concluded the home leg of their 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign in style on Friday, securing a six-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
A career-defining five-wicket haul from fast bowler Matthew Forde and an unbeaten 81 from opening batsman Kamil Pooran capped off a memorable night for the home crowd.
Match Summary
Result: Saint Lucia Kings won by 6 wickets
Jamaica Kingsmen: 169/9 (20 overs) — Keacy Carty (50+), Usman Khan 28 (11); Matthew Forde 5/XX
Saint Lucia Kings: 170/4 (19 overs) — Kamil Pooran 81* , Obus Pienaar 20+*
Venue: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
First Innings: Forde’s PowerPlay Blitz Restricts Kingsmen
Matthew Forde set the tone early with a sensational three-over spell during the PowerPlay, picking up four quick wickets to leave the Kingsmen top order in tatters. After Shadley van Schalkwyk struck early, Forde dismissed the dangerous Usman Khan (28 off 11) before removing Kingsmen skipper Rovman Powell on the very next ball, caught by Maheesh Theekshana at third man.
Forde then persuaded captain Roston Chase to review an LBW call against Hassan Khan, which was overturned to give Forde his third of the spell. Spinners Joshua Bishop and Maheesh Theekshana maintained the pressure through the middle overs.
Despite the collapse, Keacy Carty anchored the innings with a crucial half-century, supported by cameos from Andre Russell and Odean Smith (combining for 52 runs). Carty eventually became Forde’s fifth victim as the pacer completed his maiden CPL five-wicket haul, leaving the Kingsmen at 169/9.
Second Innings: Pooran and Pienaar Guide Kings Home
Adopting a measured strategy to avoid early losses, the Kings produced a controlled run-chase. Opening batsman Kamil Pooran grounded the chase, keeping the required run rate well within reach alongside middle-order support.
Making his first appearance of the season, Obus Pienaar joined Pooran at number six with the match in the balance. The duo executed a clinical 57-run partnership built on controlled aggression.
With the Kings needing a run a ball off the final two overs, Pooran launched a full toss over the ropes for six. A wide delivery from Hunain Shah raced to the boundary for five wides, officially sealing the six-wicket win in the 19th over.
