The Barbados Royals triumphed over the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots with a narrow two-wicket win in match nine of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage was instrumental, contributing both with bat and ball.
Batting first, the Patriots posted a competitive 153 for 8 in their 20 overs, despite early setbacks.
Key players Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher, and Evin Lewis were dismissed for ducks, putting the Patriots on the back foot.
However, middle-order contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga (40) and Mikyle Louis (30), along with late strikes from Josh Clarkson and Ryan John, pushed their total to a defendable score.
Wellalage led the Royals’ bowling attack with three wickets, while Obed McCoy and Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with two wickets each, restricting the Patriots’ progress.
In response, the Royals faced a similar struggle but were kept in the hunt by late-order cameos from Wellalage (39) and Kadeem Alleyne (30).
With the match going down to the wire, Nyeem Young and Jason Holder held their nerve, guiding the Royals to victory at 157 for 8, with just one ball remaining.
Both captains praised their bowlers’ efforts, with Rovman Powell expressing satisfaction with the Royals’ performance under pressure, while Patriots’ skipper Andre Fletcher commended his bowlers for pushing the game deep despite the loss.