It came down to 9 runs required from the final over and then 1 run required from the final ball.
It was the grand finals of the Caribbean Premier League series 2021 and the home team, SKN Patriots faced off with the other finalist, the St. Lucia Kings, at Warner Park, in front of a colorfully attired and appreciative huge number of fans.
Human activity around the cricketing world, virtually froze, as the experienced Kenrick Williams bowled that crucial final delivery.
There were two possibilities in the offing: A win for the Patriots or a tied game if there was a dot ball and a resulting super over.
Captain Fletcher brought the entire field in close, but somehow Drakes touched the ball, towards backward of square and ran for all he’s worth and both batsmen made it safely to their respective creases.
Patriots had won their first CPL title, led by the indomitable Dwayne Bravo.
Wild celebrations broke out all around the Park and Kenrick Williams among others was reduced to tears.
The St. Lucia Kings batted first and led by a cameo from Rahkeem Cornwall and a cultured knock by Roston Chase got to a competitive 159 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Patriots stuttered in their response to the target, losing Chris Gayle, for a golden duck in the very first over and later, main batsman Evin Lewis for just 6.
The Kings were cock a hoop.
Enter Dominic Drakes and he proceeded to belt the Kings bowling all around Warner Park and despite wickets falling around him, he managed to keep a cool head and lead the Patriots over the line—even though just barely.
Supporting knocks came from Joshua Da Silva, Sherfane Rutherford and Fabian Allen.
Today is being celebrated as National heroes’ day in St. Kitts and Nevis. Don’t be surprised if Dominic Drakes is not given the newest honour to the prestigious title.
Summarized scores: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 160/7 (Drakes 48*, Da Silva 37; Riaz 2/36, Chase 1/17) beat Saint Lucia Kings 159/7 (Cornwall 43, Chase 43; Naseem 2/26, Fawad 2/32) by three wickets.