In what turned out to be a very close finish, St. Maarten was able to snatch victory from what seemed like the jaws of defeat, beating St. Kitts by a mere 2 runs to take their place in the Semis.

Tracking a score of 238 all out, made by St. Maarten, St. Kitts was on course for a comfortable win, until the tide was turned. With four overs remaining or 24 balls, St. Kitts was in search of 21 runs, which in most ODIs, should be achievable. However, the fall of Jacques Taylor’s wicket reduced the pace of scoring and run rate.

By the time the final over was to be bowled, St. Kitts was perched at 234, needing just five more runs for victory from six balls. The easy follow through that was expected by St. Kitts was thwarted by the West Indian Medium fast Bowler, Darren Sammy of St. Lucia, who was playing as a special guest of the St. Maarten team.

Sammy curtailed the St. Kitts scoring, restricting it to singles. The Kittitian batsmen proved unable to free themselves and with some tight Sammy bowling and keen fielding by St. Maarten, St. Kitts eventually fell short of their 239 target by 2 runs, reaching only 237.

St. Kitts’ only hope is to advance on a better run rate, compared to the losing team in Wednesday’s match between Nevis and Anguilla. Antigua and St. Maarten have already booked their Semi-Finals place, while the winner in Wednesday’s game will qualify. This match will be played in Anguilla.

Thursday will be used for a rest day, in preparation for the Semi-Finals on Friday and Saturday, with the grand Finals on Sunday, in St. Maarten.