By Anas Ahmed 
The Caribbean Premier League 2025 served up its most dramatic finish yet as the Saint Lucia Kings defeated the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by just three runs in a nail-biting contest at Warner Park, Basseterre.
The game went down to the very last delivery, with debutant Navin Bidaisee needing four runs to seal an unforgettable victory for the Patriots. However, David Wiese held his nerve, delivering a full toss that was struck towards long-off. Just as it seemed destined for the ropes, Tim David held on to a pressure catch that sparked jubilant Kings celebrations.
The match was a rollercoaster. Batting first, the Kings posted 200/8, thanks to a brilliant 61 off 38 balls from Roston Chase, supported by Johnson Charles (52) and Tim David (46). The Patriots’ bowlers shared the spoils, with Kyle Mayers (2/24), Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/31), and Waqar Salamkheil (2/34) keeping things in check.
The Patriots’ chase was equally gripping. Jason Holder led from the front with a blistering 63, while debutant Navin Bidaisee made an immediate impact, scoring a mature 50 off 36 balls. Despite their efforts, the Kings’ bowlers kept chipping away, with Chase (2/27) and Khary Pierre (2/25) making crucial breakthroughs.
Chase’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining his value as both a reliable middle-order batter and a wily spinner. Reflecting on the tense finish, Chase admitted, “It was nerve-racking, but I’m grateful we pulled through and secured the two points.”
For the Patriots, the defeat was particularly painful, marking their third consecutive loss in the tournament after starting the season with a win. The Kings, however, surged to the top of the table on net run rate, maintaining their unbeaten run after one rain-abandoned fixture.
This clash at Basseterre will be remembered as one of the finest CPL thrillers, showcasing the balance of young talent and seasoned campaigners that defines the league.
Brief Scores
Saint Lucia Kings – 200/8 (Chase 61, Charles 52, David 46; Mayers 2/24, Farooqi 2/31, Salamkheil 2/34)
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots – 197/6 (Holder 63, Bidaisee 50; Pierre 2/25, Chase 2/27)
Result: Saint Lucia Kings won by 3 runs
Player of the Match: Roston Chase – 61 (38) & 2/27
Zainab Shafiq