After reaching back-to-back Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals in 2020 and 2021, the Saint Lucia Kings once again had a stellar campaign as they reached the playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2022.
Under new head coach Daren Sammy, Saint Lucia Kings’ stars produced some brilliant individual performances to power the side to the last four of the T20 tournament.
Here are some of the standout players for Saint Lucia Kings in CPL 2022:
Johnson Charles
Saint Lucia Kings’ opening batter Johnson Charles enjoyed a stellar outing at CPL 2022, which led to his inclusion in the West Indies squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 33-year-old has been the leading run-scorer in the marquee Caribbean tournament this season, amassing 345 runs in just nine matches at an average of 43.12 and a strike rate of 133.20. The West Indies international smashed four fifties, including an unbeaten 87 against Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium earlier in September. Johnson Charles’ scintillating form played an integral role in the Kings’ journey to the last four.
Faf du Plessis
Saint Lucia Kings captain Faf du Plessis continued his impressive form in the Caribbean Premier League this time as well. The former South Africa skipper scored 332 runs in 10 matches at an impressive strike rate of 168.52 while also maintaining an average of 41.50. He also slammed a blitzkrieg hundred against Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Province Stadium - recording his second century in the CPL and fourth overall in the 20-over format. Furthermore, Faf du Plessis and Johnson Charles forged a formidable opening partnership, giving the Kings a solid start on most occasions.
Alzarri Joseph
In the bowling department, Alzarri Joseph was the go-to bowler for the Kings in CPL 2022. The 25-year-old pacer has claimed the most wickets this season, picking 18 in 11 matches at an average of 15 and an economy of just 6.75. Alzarri Joseph’s best bowling figures in CPL 2022 came against three-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders as he bagged four wickets for just 17 runs in his quota of four overs at the Warner Park in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Joseph also made it to the Windies squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup.
David Wiese
South African-born Namibian cricketer David Wiese’s all-round abilities were once again on full display this season. Wiese finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Kings this edition, scalping 12 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 16.33 and an economy of 6.75. He registered a three-wicket haul in three matches, including a stellar 3/8 against the Patriots. Apart from his wicket-taking capabilities, the veteran all-rounder scored 126 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 150.
On the back of a fine CPL 2022 campaign, David Wiese will now shoulder Namibia’s responsibility at the T20 World Cup in October.
