Gous ignites Kings as spinners seal narrow CPL opening win

St. Lucia Kings launched their CPL 2026 campaign with a tense four‑run victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. Andries Gous set the tone with a blistering 82 off 51 balls, hammering six fours and six sixes to push the Kings past 150 in the 17th over. Late strikes from Matthew Forde and McKenny Clarke added valuable momentum, lifting the total to 187 for 8. Alzarri Joseph led the Falcons’ attack with 3 for 32, while Shamar Springer chipped in with two wickets.

Chasing 188, Evin Lewis exploded early with a 24‑ball 48, keeping the Falcons ahead of the rate. Tim Robinson and Rahkeem Cornwall added quick runs, but a collapse from 92 for 1 to 126 for 4 shifted control. Fabian Allen’s unbeaten 28 kept hope alive, yet tight spells from Maheesh Theekshana and Roston Chase stalled the chase. With 13 needed off the final over, Forde struck twice, and Springer fell on the last ball to seal the Kings’ hard‑fought win.