Holder and Netravalkar dismantle Kings as Patriots cruise to five-wicket victory

Three-wicket hauls from Jason Holder and Saurabh Netravalkar restrict St Lucia Kings to 155 before Andre Fletcher anchors a comfortable chase

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots secured their first victory of CPL 2026, defeating St Lucia Kings by five wickets in Gros Islet after a disciplined bowling performance restricted the hosts to a below-par total.

Jason Holder and Saurabh Netravalkar claimed three wickets each, combining for six wickets for just 52 runs as St Lucia Kings managed 155 for 8 after being asked to bat first.

The Patriots completed the chase with 14 balls remaining, reaching 156 for 5, with Andre Fletcher guiding the innings with an unbeaten 48 from 41 deliveries.

Poor finish costs Kings

St Lucia made a reasonable start despite losing both openers during the powerplay.

Kamil Pooran and Jewel Andrew then rebuilt the innings with an aggressive 82-run partnership from 51 balls.

Pooran struck 54 from 30 balls, while Andrew continued his innings after the partnership ended, eventually making 58 off 42.

However, the Kings' momentum disappeared during the latter stages.

Holder struck twice in the 16th over, removing Charith Asalanka and Andrew, and the lower order could manage only 22 runs from the final five overs.

Captain Roston Chase later admitted that his team had left around 30 to 35 runs on the field.

Patriots keep the chase under control

The Patriots' response was similarly paced to the Kings' innings, reaching 59 for 2 during the powerplay.

Johnson Charles provided the early fireworks, hitting two sixes and a four in a five-ball 16 before departing.

Kyle Mayers then added momentum alongside Fletcher, contributing 32 from only 16 balls during a 34-run partnership.

Once Mayers fell, however, there was little pressure on the Patriots because of the manageable target.

Fletcher anchors the victory

Fletcher remained at the crease throughout the chase and never needed to take excessive risks.

His unbeaten 48 from 41 balls, featuring three fours and six sixes, earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.

He received useful contributions from Kevin Wickham (19), Jason Holder (10) and Dasun Shanaka (12) before Wanindu Hasaranga finished the game with a six.

The Patriots reached their target in the 18th over, completing a comfortable five-wicket win.

First win for Patriots

The result gives St Kitts and Nevis Patriots their first victory of the tournament after losing their opening game.

St Lucia Kings now have one win and one defeat from their first two matches, but their inability to convert a promising start into a competitive total will be a major concern going forward.

Scorecard: St Lucia Kings 155 for 8 (Andrew 58, Pooran 54; Holder 3-20, Netravalkar 3-32) lost to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 156 for 5 (Fletcher 48*, Mayers 32; Theekshana 2-22) by five wickets.

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