In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, the St. Lucia Kings secured their second consecutive victory, thanks to a brilliant performance by 19-year-old bowler Noor Ahmed. The young Afghan spinner played a crucial role in the team’s win against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on September 3rd, leaving the opposition struggling to find their footing.
St. Lucia Kings vs. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons
The match was a clash between two teams at opposite ends of the points table. St. Lucia Kings, led by Faf du Plessis, were riding high after their previous victory, while Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, captained by Chris Green, were desperate for a win to move up from the bottom of the table.
However, the match turned out to be a one-sided affair, largely due to Noor Ahmed’s exceptional bowling. The young bowler from Afghanistan delivered a game-changing spell that left the Falcons reeling and struggling to put up a competitive total.
Noor Ahmed’s Magic with the Ball
Noor Ahmed was the star of the match, displaying remarkable control and skill. Out of the 24 balls he bowled, 14 were dot balls, meaning the batsmen couldn’t score any runs off them. This incredible accuracy put immense pressure on the Falcons’ batting lineup, preventing them from building any momentum.
In his four-over spell, Noor Ahmed conceded only 18 runs and took three crucial wickets. His economy rate was an impressive 4.50, and he gave away just two boundaries. His first wicket came in the 14th over, and he then took two more in quick succession in the 17th over, further denting the Falcons’ chances of posting a challenging total.
Falcons Struggle to Score
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons could only manage to score 142 runs in their 20 overs, losing seven wickets in the process. Their batting lineup, which struggled against Noor Ahmed’s spin, failed to produce any significant partnerships. Justin Greaves was the top scorer for the Falcons with 36 runs from 26 balls, while Imad Wasim contributed an unbeaten 29 runs. However, no other batsman could make a substantial impact, and the team was unable to post a competitive target.
St. Lucia Kings’ Comfortable Chase
Chasing a modest target of 143 runs, St. Lucia Kings’ batsmen made light work of the Falcons’ bowling attack. The team, led by Faf du Plessis, chased down the target with ease, finishing the match with 18 balls to spare. They lost only three wickets in the process, demonstrating their dominance throughout the game.
With this victory, St. Lucia Kings registered their second consecutive win in the CPL 2024, moving further up the points table. On the other hand, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons suffered their second straight defeat, keeping them rooted to the bottom of the standings.
Noor Ahmed’s Rising Star
Noor Ahmed’s performance in this match has certainly caught the attention of cricket fans and experts alike. His ability to control the game with his spin bowling at such a young age is a promising sign for the future. As CPL 2024 progresses, all eyes will be on this young talent to see how he continues to perform and whether he can maintain his exceptional form.
St. Lucia Kings will be looking to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign, and with Noor Ahmed in their ranks, they have a potent weapon to take on any opposition.
