Dasun Shanaka smashes fastest CPL century as Patriots crush Kings by 137 runs

**Dasun Shanaka Sets CPL Record in Patriots’ 137-Run Victory Over Kings**

**BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis** – The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots secured a 137-run victory over the St Lucia Kings on Thursday, keeping their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoff aspirations alive behind a record-breaking performance by Dasun Shanaka.

Shanaka recorded the fastest century in CPL history, reaching the milestone in 39 balls. His unbeaten innings of 121 runs off 43 balls included eight fours and 12 sixes. Entering the match in the 10th over with the Patriots at 89 for two, Shanaka accelerated the scoring, notably taking 28 runs off the final over bowled by Keon Gaston.

The Patriots finished their innings at 235 for four. Andre Fletcher contributed 64 runs to the total, while Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga shared an unbeaten 93-run partnership off 31 balls.

In response, the St Lucia Kings were dismissed for 98 runs in 13.5 overs. The collapse was led by Jeremiah Louis, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. Tim Seifert provided the only significant resistance for the Kings, scoring 50 runs off 36 balls.

The victory marks the Patriots’ largest win by runs in franchise history. The result significantly improved the team’s net run rate from -0.547 to 0.593, solidifying their fifth-place standing in the league. Conversely, the St Lucia Kings saw their net run rate decline to -0.888 following the loss.

Article source: haitisun.com | Image credit: Ignite News