Twitter Reactions: Mark Deyal, David Wiese power Saint Lucia Kings to back-to-back CPL finals

Saint Lucia Kings, on Tuesday, September 14, managed to qualify for the final of the 2021 CPL. The Andre Fletcher-led unit defeated the Trinbago Knight Riders by 21 runs at the Warner. Even as defending champions TKR was knocked out, the Kings made back-to-back finals in the CPL.

Deyal storms away

After electing to bat first, the Kings posted 205 on the board in their 20 overs. Akeal Hosein got rid of Rahkeem Cornwall for a duck, but Andre Fletcher and Mark Deyal’s 73-run stand brought the Kings back into the contest. However, Fletcher only scored four runs in the partnership before perishing.

Deyal went on to top-score for the Kings as he notched a 44-ball 78 with the help of five fours and six sixes. Roston Chase, Tim David and David Wiese scored in their 30s to take the Kings over the 200-run mark. For TKR, Sunil Narine and Hosein had combined figures of 8-0-39-2.

Wiese’s fifer guides the Kings

In their run-chase, TKR lost the early wicket of Lendl Simmons, but Sunil Narine and Colin Munro played their shots to bring their team back into the hunt. However, Wiese dismissed both in the eighth over to help the Kings make a comeback into the encounter on Tuesday.

Several TKR’s batters got into the 20s, but no one could carry on. In the final over, the Knights needed 22 to win, but Keemo Paul got two wickets to seal the deal. Wiese went on to notch his second five-wicket haul in the tournament as he ended with figures of 4-0-39-5.

This year we wanted to get back to the final, says Andre Fletcher

Following the defeat, Pollard was disappointed, but he also lauded his team for showing great character throughout the tournament. He also accepted the Kings were the better team on the day. Fletcher, on the other hand, sounded determined before the final.

“They came out positive right from the toss. Have to give them credit. They were the better team. Proud of the boys and the way they fought. Throughout the tournament the guys have been fantastic. Well played to the opposition,” Pollard said after the match.

“Great feeling. Last year we got to the final but couldn’t get over the line. This year we wanted to get back there, prove it wasn’t a fluke. Mark played very well. That set them back. I was encouraging him, saying to trust his ability. We knew it wasn’t over. Most important thing was to take the rate as high as possible before Pollard comes in,” Fletcher said.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to the Kings’ win