Saint Lucia Kings vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, 5th Match, Caribbean Premier League 2026 - CommentarySLK vs SNP, 5th Match, Caribbean Premier League 2026 - Commentary

That's all from this game. We'll be back tomorrow as Jamaica Kingsmen lock horns with Guyana Amazon Warriors. Goodbye and take care!

Holder (2/2): (How important is it to 1-1 as opposed to 2-0?) Look, every win is crucial, you know. It doesn't matter how we get across the line. We obviously know that we have some areas that we can improve on, but each win is very, very crucial in this points table. So we'll take it as it comes. And as you said one-one is better than 0-2. So, yeah, we'll move on to Jamaica. We've got a few days off to get ourselves recuperated and ready for that game. (A couple of areas you will look to brush up on before getting to Jamaica?) Look, I think our energy in the field could have been a little bit better. You know, we probably could have made one or two half chances, stick. But that's part of cricket. I think it's important that we keep critiquing ourselves as much as we possibly can and just be firm with ourselves in terms of our plans and then in terms of our just overall assessment. But I think for us, we've done a really good job tonight. I'll take it. I'm not going to be too greedy, especially early in the tournament. And it's just important for us to continue on in this win.

Jason Holder (1/2): (What a great win that was!) Yeah, good team win by the boys. I thought we played some good cricket. You know, obviously, on a pitch like this, you expect them to really hone in on the power play, but we were able to get two new ball wickets, which was crucial. And then they got away a little bit from us, but then we ended up pegging it back. And we did a really good job at the back end, so credit to our bowlers. (Did you expect it to be so many less?) You know, I knew we've got a quality bowl attack, just for us, just to put the ball in good areas, ask a few questions, and be clinical. You know, probably we're a little bit sloppy in the field today, which, something that we can touch upon. But I think overall, I thought our bowlers did an exceptional job to limit them to 155. At the halfway stage, we were pretty confident we can chase it, and in here we got it. (Netravalkar gives you another weapon up front?) Yeah, definitely. He's been outstanding, you know. Unfortunately, he's only here for three games. But we'll take it. I was actually pretty detailed when I asked to get him in for the three games and I wanted his quality I've seen him over the years, and this is an example of what he can produce. (The chase got off to a rollicking start. Was that your plan, or was that your message to the team?) Look, it's hard to tell people like Johnson and Fletcher, to play the game. They've been pretty confident and they've been pretty consistent over the years playing that type of cricket. So we backed them to play that type of cricket. Fortunately for us today, they got off to a really good start. And then Kyle came in and kept the tempo, which was really important for us. We were able to keep on top of the scoring rate. We were always in the game in terms, or ahead of the game in terms of the run chase, which was crucial when we're trying to chase these runs.

Roston Chase: (Your thoughts on that decision and the outcome of that decision?) Yeah, I wouldn't change the decision, but I thought that we left about 35 runs, 30-35 runs out there. And then, having gotten the score that we got, they got off to a flyer in the power play, and it's hard to really set back batters when they just need six runs, six and a half runs or over on a big field like this. (What kind of total did you try to get to, to try and instill in your team to get to?) I thought 180, 190 would have been a good target. That was the target up front, but I thought that the Patriots bowled well in the end. They really forced us to play to the big side with the win, and we couldn't really get hold of them. (Pooran, his first ever 50, and Jewel Andrew, his second 50 after his first on debut two years ago. That must warm the spirits for you and your side moving forward?) Yeah, we have a really young unit, probably the youngest unit in CPL right now. So for those young guys to stand up after having a bad start like that and really show their class, I thought it was a good batting performance by them. But as I said, I just thought that we were 30, 35 runs. I thought if one of them could have taken it a bit deeper, it would have helped us, but well played to them. (You got a word for the fans because you're going to be back here Friday?) Yeah, just keep on coming out and supporting. We try our best to win some games for you, and we started with a win. So don't give up on us yet.

Andre Fletcher: (How well did you enjoy conditions out there?) Yeah, the first game, as you said, we lost, and we put it behind our back. That's how the game plays at times, but we just also come out here and showcase what we love, do what we love. Saint Lucia got a very fast start, but I would say we kept our composure, we kept our nerves, and restricted them for under 170. And as you can see, it was an easy total to chase. (You came out all guns blazing in that power play in the chase. Was that a pre-planned idea or was just how the cards fell?) Yeah, that was our strategy to go hard in the power play so that it can be a bit easier outside the power play. Unfortunately, we lost Johnson early, and it was my role to bat as deep as possible, and I'm happy that I got my team over the line. (At what stage in it did you feel that was your responsibility?) Yeah, after losing, I would say, Kyle, I felt it was my responsibility to bat as deep as possible. And it wasn't a big total where I would say we were under any pressure. I chose my balls, went to strike, and then just rotated as possible.

22:37 Local Time, 02:37 GMT, 08:07 IST: The Patriots have secured their first win of the season and opened their account on the points table. Earlier in the evening, Kamil Pooran and Jewel Andrew struck impressive fifties for the St Lucia Kings, but Netravalkar and Holder claimed three wickets each to keep the Kings below 160. Chasing the modest target, the Patriots came out aggressively. Johnson Charles provided a quick start before Mayers carried the momentum, smashing three sixes and three fours in his cameo. However, Theekshana eventually dismissed him. Fletcher then played an anchoring role to guide the Patriots home with more than 2 overs to spare. Stay around for the presentation..