The 2026 Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Super 50 tournament is set to crown a brand-new titleholder this weekend, as the two previous semifinal matches at separate venues shook up the competition and locked in the two finalists. Defending champions Central Castries saw their title defense run cut short by Gros Islet, while Babonneau fell to South Castries, setting up an all-new championship clash at Castries’ iconic Mindoo Phillip Park this Sunday, October 11.
In the first semifinal hosted at Mindoo Phillip Park, Gros Islet delivered a clinical four-wicket victory over defending champion Central Castries to claim their spot in the decider, with all-rounder Tarrique Edward emerging as the standout player of the match. Central Castries won the toss and opted to bat first, but their batting line-up was restricted to a total of 197 all out in 36.2 overs. Captain Stephen Naitram anchored the innings with a 65-ball 52, including five boundaries and one maximum, while Kyle Adonis chipped in with a quickfire 37-ball 42 that featured two fours and three sixes. Aiden Scholar, McKenny Clarke, and Dillan John each added 19 runs to the total to push Central Castries to a competitive score. For Gros Islet, Tyrel Chicot was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 22 runs from his 6.2 overs, with Isaiah Jones supporting with three wickets for 34 runs, and Edward taking two wickets to finish with 78 runs conceded.
Chasing a target of 198 for victory, Gros Islet reached the required total in 34 overs, finishing at 202 for six wickets to seal the win. Edward led the run chase from the front, remaining unbeaten on 62 off 69 deliveries that included one four and five sixes to steady the innings after early wickets. Noelle Leo got the chase off to a fast start, top-scoring in the opening order with 39 runs from just 27 balls, while Lee John added 20 runs to the total. It was Chicot who finished the job in the closing overs, hitting an unbeaten 22 from only 11 deliveries to cross the finish line. For the defending champions Central Castries, Jaden Elibox was the most effective bowler, picking up three wickets for 44 runs from his 10 overs, with Dillan John, Kyle Adonis, and Tyler Sookwa each claiming one wicket in the losing effort.
The second semifinal took place at the Francis Baba Lastic Ground, where South Castries secured an emphatic eight-wicket win over Babonneau, thanks to a match-winning bowling performance from seamer Royce Paul. Babonneau won the toss and elected to bat first, but struggled against South Castries’ disciplined bowling attack, being bowled out for just 116 runs in 23.1 overs. Paul delivered the decisive performance, picking up six wickets for 36 runs from his 6.1 overs of medium-pace bowling. Daniel Jn Baptiste supported with two wickets for 26 runs, while Aaron Joseph and Simeon Gerson each took one wicket to wrap up the Babonneau innings. Jehan Boodha was the only batsman to resist, top-scoring with 47 runs from 41 deliveries, while Dane Edward was the next highest contributor with 19 runs.
Chasing a modest target of 117 for victory, South Castries reached the goal in just 15.2 overs, finishing at 120 for two wickets to book their place in the grand final. Johnson Charles delivered an explosive innings, remaining unbeaten on 44 runs from only 24 deliveries, hammering five fours and three sixes to power South Castries to victory. He shared an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 71 runs with Tonius Simon, who finished not out on 27 from 35 balls. Opener Ephron Charles got the innings off to a solid start, contributing 25 runs from 28 deliveries. For Babonneau, Devon Eugene and Larry Edward each claimed one wicket in the losing cause.
With both semifinals completed, all focus now shifts to Mindoo Phillip Park this Sunday, when Gros Islet and South Castries will go head-to-head to decide who will take home the 2026 SLNCA Super 50 title, guaranteeing a first-time champion for the 50-over domestic competition.