The semifinal bracket for the Prime Minister’s Cup T20 Men’s Cricket Tournament is now set after decisive quarterfinal victories by Babonneau and Central Castries on Thursday, March 20th. The teams secured their spots alongside previously qualified Choiseul and Soufriere following impressive performances across two venues.
At the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Babonneau delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming Gros Islet by a significant nine-wicket margin. Gros Islet’s innings concluded at 174-9 from their allotted 20 overs, with notable contributions from Dominic Auguste (29 from 23 balls) and Tarrique Edward (28 from 21 balls). However, their efforts were stifled by an exceptional bowling display from off-spinner Yunieski Gustave, who decimated the batting order to finish with remarkable figures of 5-27, including the crucial wicket of Edward and a clean-up of the lower order.
In response, Babonneau’s chase was nothing short of spectacular. Opening batsman Johnnel Eugene launched a ferocious assault on the Gros Islet bowlers, hammering 72 runs off just 49 deliveries, a innings decorated with five sixes and six fours. He was ably supported by Dane Edward, who scored a steady 50 from 42 balls. The opening partnership ruthlessly capitalized on wayward bowling, amassing 112 runs in a mere 79 deliveries. Alex Joseph entered after Eugene’s dismissal and sealed the victory in the 18th over with an explosive, unbeaten 39 from just 14 balls, a cameo that included a devastating over where he hit four sixes and a four.
Simultaneously, at Mindoo Phillip Park, Central Castries clinched their semifinal berth with a powerful 49-run triumph over South Castries. Choosing to bat first, Central Castries posted a colossal total of 248-3. The innings was built on a foundation of explosive half-centuries from Stephen Naitram and Jaden Elibox. Theo Edward provided a rapid start with 46 off 21 balls, while Naitram blazed his way to 77 from just 40 deliveries, striking five sixes and five fours. Elibox remained not out on a devastating 71 off 32 balls, an innings featuring six fours and an equal number of sixes.
Facing the daunting target, South Castries’ reply was led by Johnson Charles, who fought valiantly with a 38-ball 69 that included nine sixes. Despite contributions from Ephron Charles and Tonius Simon, who both reached the 20s, the innings consistently lost wickets at critical junctures and ultimately fell short, finishing at 199-8. The Central Castries bowling attack shared the successes, with Dillan John, Jaden Elibox, and Zayee Antoine each claiming two wickets to secure the comprehensive win.