(Saint Lucia Daily Post – March 16, 2025) – Babonneau are the new champions of the Prime Minister’s Independence T20 Tournament after a thrilling 3 wicket win with 1 ball to spare. Babonneau who won the toss, elected to send the heavily favoured Central Castries team in to bat first on a good Mindoo Philip Park wicket.
Despite a blistering start to the innings from Central Castries, Babonneau were able to remove the top order within the power play for a 76-run partnership. Stephen Naitram was bowled by Sachin Cepal for 30 from 16 balls including 4 fours and 2 sixes from the final ball of the 5th over. From the very next ball Nyeem Rosemond saw the back of Theo Edward for 31 from 15 including 5 fours and 1 six.
Jayden Elibox sought to steady the ship with Central Castries looking set to post a massive total with a quickfire 40 from 18 balls including 2 fours and 4 towering sixes before he was removed, trapped lbw by Sanjay Hale. Hale who had first removed Dornan Edward on 171 for 6 wasn’t done there, he continued to rip through the balance of the order to bowl out Central Castries for 183 to give his team a fighting chance and finish with figures of 5 for 41 from his 4 overs.
When Babonneau came in to bat, they started much the same, with in form batter Dane Edward and Alex Joseph, putting on a 52 run partnership before Edward fell from the last ball of the 4th over for 34 from 15 balls including 2 fours and 4 massive sixes.
Joseph went on to score an even 50 from 34 balls including 4 fours and 3 sixes to invigorate the Babonneau supporters and give belief to his team. Dornan Edward briefly threatened to derail Babonneau’s plans with 3 quick wickets for 11 runs from his 4 overs before Larry Edward restored some order scoring 31 from 27; leaving Babonneau on 168-7 from 18.4 overs.
Still needing 16 runs from the final 8 balls, in stepped the MVP of the finals Sanjay Hale to hit a massive 6 in the final over off Dillon John to steer Babonneau to a famous victory with 1 ball to spare.
Summarized Scores:
- Central Castries 183 all out from 20 overs.
- Jayden Elibox 40, Theo Edward 31, Stephen Naitram 30, Sanjay Hale 5 for 41, Caleb Thomas 2 for 40
- Babonneau 184 for 7 from 19.5 overs. Alex Joseph 50, Dane Edward 34, Larry Edward 31, Dornan Edward 3 for 11, Tyler Sookwa 2 for 18.
- MVP of the Final Sanjay Hale.
