In the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, Faf du Plessis’s St Lucia Kings continue their winning streak with an impressive fourth victory. The spotlight of this match undoubtedly belonged to Afghanistan’s 19-year-old spinner, Noor Ahmed, who played a crucial role in this win. While David Wiese contributed significantly with the bat, it was Noor’s magic with the ball that helped St Lucia Kings seal the deal against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
A Promising Start for Noor Ahmed in His First CPL Season
Making his debut in the CPL this season, Noor Ahmed has already proven his worth. In just 6 matches, Noor has taken an impressive 10 wickets, maintaining an average of 13.10. His best figures of 3 wickets for 18 runs have set the stage for his emergence as one of the most promising young bowlers in the tournament. His exceptional performance has made him the most successful bowler for St Lucia Kings in CPL 2024.
Noor Ahmed’s Stellar Performance Against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons
In the match against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, Noor Ahmed displayed his skills yet again by taking 2 crucial wickets. These were not just any wickets, but the two most important scalps of the opposition. The first one was of Justin Greaves, Antigua and Barbuda’s most reliable batsman, who had scored 174 runs in 5 matches before this game. Noor’s second wicket was of Chris Green, the captain of the Falcons, who was looking dangerous with a well-made 48 off 37 balls.
Restricting the Opponents: Noor Ahmed’s Economy and Dot Balls
Not only did Noor Ahmed pick up key wickets, but his ability to contain runs made him a standout performer. He bowled 4 overs, giving away only 13 runs at an excellent economy rate of 3.25. What made his spell even more remarkable was the 17 dot balls he delivered, building pressure on the Falcons’ batting lineup. With this disciplined bowling, Noor played a pivotal role in restricting Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to just 126 for 8 wickets in their 20 overs, well short of the 153-run target set by St Lucia Kings.
Khairi Pierre Joins the Party: Bowling Duo Secures Victory
Noor Ahmed wasn’t alone in his bowling brilliance. Khairi Pierre also had a fantastic outing, picking up 3 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs. The duo’s combined efforts choked the Falcons’ batting lineup, making it difficult for them to chase down the target. Their partnership in the bowling department was key to securing St Lucia Kings’ fourth win in CPL 2024.
David Wiese’s Crucial Contribution with the Bat
While Noor and Pierre shone with the ball, David Wiese was the hero with the bat. Coming in at number 7, Wiese played a vital knock of 43 runs from 26 balls, with a strike rate of 165.38. His innings helped St Lucia Kings post a challenging total of 152 for 8 in 20 overs. Wiese’s big hits in the death overs were crucial in giving his side a competitive score, which eventually proved to be enough, thanks to the brilliant bowling efforts.
St Lucia Kings Eyeing the Top Spot with Another Win
This victory marked St Lucia Kings’ fourth win in CPL 2024, further strengthening their position in the tournament. Led by the experienced Faf du Plessis, the team has shown a balanced performance with both bat and ball, and Noor Ahmed’s rise has been a significant factor in their success. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this young Afghan spinner, who is rapidly becoming a key player in St Lucia Kings’ campaign.
