Matthew Forde and Kamil Pooran Star in Saint Lucia Kings’ Commanding Win

Saint Lucia Kings produced a statement performance in CPL 2026. Matthew Forde and Kamil Pooran played roles in a six-wicket victory over Jamaica Kingsmen at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet.

Forde’s sensational five-wicket haul dismantled the Kingsmen’s top order. While, Pooran followed it up with a composed unbeaten 81 to guide the Kings to a comfortable chase. The result also lifted Saint Lucia to the top of the CPL 2026 points table.

Forde Tears Through Jamaica Kingsmen

After being asked to bat first, Jamaica Kingsmen found themselves in serious trouble during the Powerplay. Matthew Forde was the architect of the collapse, producing a devastating opening spell that left Jamaica at 54/5 after six overs. The all-rounder claimed four wickets during the Powerplay before returning later to complete his five-wicket haul. Keacy Carty provided the resistance Jamaica desperately needed. The batter struck a well-made 50 from 45 deliveries, attempting to rebuild the innings after the early damage.

Andre Russell added a brisk 25 from just 15 balls, including three sixes, while Odean Smith supplied late momentum with an unbeaten 27 off 17 deliveries. Those helped Jamaica recover from their risky position. He finished on 169/9 in 20 overs. Yet, Forde’s figures of 5/23 from four overs had already put Saint Lucia firmly in control.

Kamil Pooran Takes Charge in the Chase

Saint Lucia’s chase did not begin perfectly, with Tim Seifert departing early. However, Kamil Pooran quickly settled the innings and formed a crucial 66-run partnership with John Campbell from only 39 balls. Campbell contributed 23 before falling to Vitel Lawes, but Pooran remained composed despite losing further partners at the other end.

The left-handed batter eventually found the perfect finishing partner in Obus Pienaar. Pienaar smashed an unbeaten 34 from just 14 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, to accelerate the chase dramatically. Their unbeaten 57-run partnership ensured there would be no late drama. Saint Lucia Kings reached 171/4 in 18.2 overs, winning with 10 balls to spare.

Pooran’s Match-Winning Knock

Pooran’s 81 not out from 49 balls was the foundation of the successful chase. His innings contained six fours and five sixes. He combined control with the attacking intent required in a T20 run chase. While Forde had effectively decided the contest with the ball, Pooran ensured that Saint Lucia finished the job without unnecessary pressure. The performance was particularly significant for a Kings side looking to build momentum after a mixed opening phase to the tournament.

Saint Lucia Kings Climb Back to the Top

The six-wicket victory was Saint Lucia’s third win of the campaign and moved them to the top of the CPL 2026 standings. Both Saint Lucia and Jamaica had entered the contest with two victories from their opening five matches. This makes the result especially important in a tightly contested tournament. Forde’s five-for and Pooran’s unbeaten half-century-plus innings showed the balance Saint Lucia can possess when both their bowling and batting units click together.

With the business end of the CPL season approaching, performances like these could be important. If Forde continues producing breakthroughs with the new ball and Pooran maintains his composure in the middle order, Saint Lucia Kings will have every reason to believe they can remain among the leading contenders for the title.

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