CPL Highlights

CPL Highlights: Top Performances This Year

17 May 2025 | By Sixes Cricket

Cricket in the Caribbean is never quiet — but this year’s CPL was louder than ever. From the opening night in Providence to the final in Port of Spain, the tournament delivered energy, unpredictability, and pure, relentless drama. You didn’t just watch this season — you felt it. Every game came with context. Every innings had impact. And every week, a new name demanded attention.

This wasn’t a tournament dominated by just the usual suspects. Instead, the CPL 2025 was driven by clutch performances — moments where individuals, sometimes expected, sometimes unknown, seized the spotlight and didn’t let go. Whether it was a boundary blitz, a death-over chokehold, or a game-saving bit of fielding, the tournament thrived on those who turned matches on their head.

Here are the defining performances that shaped the CPL this year — not just for the numbers, but for the timing, the style, and the statement they made.

1. Saint Lucia Kings Win Their First CPL Title

1. Saint Lucia Kings Win Their First CPL Title

The Saint Lucia Kings finally broke through. After years of falling short in the knockout stages, they lifted their maiden Caribbean Premier League trophy in 2024, defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets in the final at Providence Stadium.

Set a modest target of 139, the Kings paced their chase with maturity and purpose. Roston Chase anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off just 22 balls, guiding them home with nearly two overs to spare. Earlier, his 1 for 13 from four overs also helped restrict the Warriors, who had looked favourites before the match.

This win was more than just a title—it marked the culmination of years of squad-building, leadership consistency, and growing self-belief within the franchise. Under coach Daren Sammy, the Kings showed tactical awareness and unity, qualities that had eluded them in past campaigns.

Winning a CPL title may not carry the global spotlight of an IPL or World Cup trophy, but for the players and fans of Saint Lucia, it was everything. Their celebrations reflected the magnitude of the achievement. In a season packed with drama, this was unquestionably the defining moment. The Kings are no longer just contenders—they’re champions.

2. Nicholas Pooran Tops the 2024 Run Charts

Nicholas Pooran had a point to prove in CPL 2024, and he made it emphatically. The Trinbago Knight Riders batter ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer, amassing an outstanding 504 runs across the season.

Pooran wasn’t just padding stats—he was delivering wins. His strike rate hovered near 160, and he routinely dismantled bowling attacks at both ends of the innings. Whether setting a total or chasing one down, his presence at the crease changed the tone of the game.

One of his finest knocks came in a blazing 89 off 42 balls against the Barbados Royals, where he tore apart both spin and pace with equal ease. Beyond the boundaries, what stood out was his growing maturity: calculated aggression, smart running, and better rotation of strike.

For Trinbago Knight Riders, Pooran’s consistency was central to reaching the playoffs. For CPL fans, he offered pure entertainment—a batter in full flow, taking control of matches.

This campaign reasserted his position as one of the most feared left-handers in T20 cricket. More than that, it showed he’s evolving into a true leader—on and off the field.

3. Noor Ahmad’s 22-Wicket Masterclass

3. Noor Ahmad’s 22-Wicket Masterclass

Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad was the breakout bowling star of CPL 2024. Turning out for the Saint Lucia Kings, the 19-year-old spinner finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets, combining control with mystery and a maturity far beyond his years.

Operating mainly in the middle overs, Noor strangled opposition scoring with his deceptive flight and sharp googly. What made his spellbinding run even more impressive was the consistency—he took wickets in nearly every match and rarely went for more than a run a ball.

His standout performance came against the Barbados Royals, where he returned figures of 4 for 16, dismantling a world-class top order. That spell effectively sealed the Kings’ place in the playoffs and laid the groundwork for their title-winning campaign.

What sets Noor apart is his fearlessness. He doesn’t rely on conditions or mystery alone—he adapts, attacks, and sets his own fields. For a teenager to lead the wickets chart in a major T20 league is extraordinary.

His success this season underlines the growing Afghan presence in franchise leagues and cements his place as a key figure in Saint Lucia’s future. Noor Ahmad’s 2024 run wasn’t just good—it was exceptional.

4. Lewis and Mayers Break Records… and Still Lose

Evin Lewis and Kyle Mayers lit up the CPL with one of the most destructive partnerships in tournament history—yet it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Playing for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, the duo put on 199 runs for the second wicket against the Saint Lucia Kings in a stunning display of hitting.

Lewis smashed his way to an unbeaten 100, while Mayers bludgeoned 92, sending the ball to all parts of the ground. Boundaries flowed from the third over onwards, and the Kings’ bowlers had no answers. The stand was the highest of CPL 2024 and one of the best the competition has ever seen.

What made the performance even more dramatic was what followed. Despite setting a total near 220, the Patriots failed to defend it. The Kings, led by Roston Chase and Johnson Charles, chased it down with balls to spare—leaving Lewis and Mayers’ effort as an incredible yet heartbreaking footnote.

Still, the innings showcased the raw firepower both players possess. Lewis reminded everyone of his ability to anchor and explode, while Mayers’ ball-striking was ferocious. It was one of those rare games where even the losers left with highlight-reel moments.

5. Shimron Hetmyer’s Strike Rate Sets the Tone

5. Shimron Hetmyer’s Strike Rate Sets the Tone

While some players stack up runs, Shimron Hetmyer made his impact with tempo. Representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors, he registered the highest strike rate of CPL 2024—an extraordinary 185.25 across the tournament.

Hetmyer wasn’t always the top scorer, but his presence in the middle order turned momentum in seconds. Whether facing spin or pace, he wasted no time settling in. His 47* off just 18 balls against the Trinbago Knight Riders flipped a tense match on its head, proving the value of acceleration over accumulation.

What stood out was the clarity in his role. Hetmyer embraced the job of finisher, frequently coming in during the latter overs and pushing his team past par. He didn’t chase centuries—he chased impact.

His ability to clear the boundary at will, particularly over midwicket, made bowlers rethink their lengths. For Guyana, he was the ideal X-factor. For the tournament, he was a reminder that strike rate matters as much as average in the modern game.

With Guyana reaching the final, Hetmyer’s contributions were crucial. He may not have lifted the trophy, but he delivered moments that defined matches—and kept the crowd on its feet.

6. Moeen Ali’s All-Round Heroics in Qualifier 2

In a high-pressure knockout match, Moeen Ali delivered one of the most complete all-round performances of the season. Playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, he turned Qualifier 2 against Barbados Royals into a personal highlight reel.

Batting first, Moeen smashed 53 off 29 balls, accelerating just when his side needed a boost. His timing and footwork neutralised the spinners, and he finished with back-to-back sixes to close the innings on a high.

With ball in hand, he followed up by taking 2 for 21 in his four overs, including the key wicket of Rovman Powell. His calm presence and versatility under pressure were exactly what Guyana needed to reach the final.

While Moeen has always been a reliable utility player in franchise leagues, this performance showcased him at his sharpest—a leader, a finisher, and a match-winner rolled into one.

He didn’t feature in every game this season, but when it mattered most, he made it count. That Qualifier 2 performance was not just a highlight for Guyana—it was one of the standout all-round efforts of the entire tournament.

7. Shaqkere Parris Hits the Longest Six of the Season

7. Shaqkere Parris Hits the Longest Six of the Season

Trinbago Knight Riders’ young talent Shaqkere Parris carved his name into CPL 2024 folklore with one swing of the bat—an eye-watering 124-metre six, the longest of the tournament.

The moment came during a group stage match at the Brian Lara Stadium. Facing pace on a good length, Parris stepped into the shot and launched it high over deep midwicket. The ball sailed into the stands, and the commentators were left stunned.

Though his overall run tally wasn’t headline-grabbing, this one hit stole the spotlight. It symbolised the power lurking in the new generation of Caribbean batters. Parris, only 21, showed he’s got more than potential—he’s got presence.

Moments like this don’t win matches alone, but they win memories, and fans won’t forget that strike in a hurry. The Knight Riders may have relied on their senior players for results, but this young left-hander gave them something just as valuable: future firepower.

8. Johnson Charles Anchors the Kings’ Title Run

With Saint Lucia Kings finally clinching their first CPL title, much of the praise rightly went to the bowlers—but Johnson Charles was their bedrock at the top. He finished the tournament with 452 runs, making him one of the highest scorers overall.

Charles’ role was simple but crucial: set the tone in the powerplay. Time and again, he delivered. His 74 off 41 balls against Trinbago Knight Riders was a statement innings, full of intent, placement, and brute force.

What made him so effective was his ability to adapt to different bowling attacks. Against spin, he used his feet. Against pace, he picked gaps early. And when wickets fell around him, he held firm.

For the Kings, he was the glue—someone who gave their middle order a platform to work from. In a tournament full of flash, Charles brought substance.

His 2024 campaign wasn’t flashy, but it was vital. Without him, the Kings don’t win the CPL. With him, they had an opener who gave them the best possible start—every time.

Conclusion: Why These CPL Highlights Prove the League’s Growing Power

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The CPL highlights from 2024 reflect more than just standout innings or clever spells—they reveal a tournament that’s now firmly embedded in the global T20 calendar. From the Saint Lucia Kings finally lifting their maiden title, to Nicholas Pooran’s consistent brilliance and Noor Ahmad’s breakout success, this year’s competition delivered storylines that mattered.

Importantly, these performances weren’t isolated—they were part of a broader trend. Emerging stars like Shaqkere Parris and established names like Moeen Ali both found their moments to shine. The drama wasn’t limited to the final or the playoff stages either. Even during the group phase, fans witnessed record partnerships, sky-high strike rates, and unforgettable sixes that reminded everyone why Caribbean cricket still has a unique swagger all its own.

The 2024 edition also highlighted the CPL’s growing role in talent development. Afghan and West Indian players stood out, not just with bat and ball, but with game awareness, leadership, and composure under pressure. The league continues to evolve—and fast.

As other tournaments jostle for space and spotlight, the Caribbean Premier League retains its identity: vibrant, fierce, and full of character. These CPL highlights aren’t just entertainment—they’re proof of a league on the rise, and a region still producing cricket that demands attention.