CASTRIES, St Lucia, (CMC) — Prime Minister of St Lucia Philip J Pierre has lauded new Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions St Lucia Kings on capturing their maiden title.

The Kings won their first title by defeating defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets in a thrilling final at Providence Stadium on Sunday night.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, Pierre congratulated the Kings on their historic performance.

“Prime Minister Hon Philip J Pierre, on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, congratulates the Saint Lucia Kings on their impressive achievement in securing the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title. This victory has brought immense pride to our island nation,” it read.

“The Saint Lucia Kings have demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament. Their success further amplifies Saint Lucia’s achievement in sports on the world stage, with Julien Alfred blazing the trail.

“This victory is an inspiration, showcasing the potential of our athletes to excel on all platforms,” the statement added.

Pierre maintained that the Kings’ achievement “not only uplifts the spirit of our nation but also encourages young athletes to strive for greatness in their pursuits.

“As we celebrate this milestone, let us rally behind our teams and recognise the dedication that fuels their success. Once again, congratulations to the Saint Lucia Kings for this significant accomplishment.

“Their triumph has united us in celebration, and we eagerly anticipate their continued success in future competitions,” the statement further added.

Barbadians Roston Chase and Aaron Jones produced memorable performances to help the Kings capture their first CPL crown.

Noor Ahmad’s three-wicket haul put the Kings in command after they won the toss and sent the defending champions in to bat, as they limited the Warriors to 138 for eight from their 20 overs.

With their side struggling at 51 for four in the 10th over, Player of the Match Chase, who scored an unbeaten 39 together with Jones who cracked 48 not out, added an unbroken 89 runs for the fifth wicket to help the Kings stroll to victory with 11 balls remaining.

After being sent in to bat on a slow surface at Providence Stadium the Warriors never came to grips with the conditions.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz only lasted two balls before he picked out Faf du Plessis at mid-on to be out for a duck with just one run on the board.

Moeen Ali and Shai Hope struggled during a 33-run partnership for the second wicket that required seven overs.

Hope was eventually put out of his misery when he was bowled by Chase after scoring 22 off 24 balls.

Ali’s torturous stay of 14 runs from 20 balls ended soon after when his intended sweep shot off Ahmad picked out Johnson Charles as the Warriors found themselves 45 for three in the ninth over.

Ahmad, who was adjudged Player of the Series, was the pick of the Kings’ bowlers with 3-19 from his four overs.