Kevin Pietersen and Andre Fletcher struck explosive half centuries as they led the St Lucia Zouks to a 20-run in their Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 clash at Warner Park in St Kitts, on Friday night.Pietersen slammed 73 and Fletcher 77, as they took the Zouks to whopping 202 for five off their 20 overs.
Leaders Tridents lost wickets at regular intervals after a good opening stand of 41 and closed at 172 for seven off their 20 overs. Skipper Keiron Pollard tried his best in getting a 27-ball 31 but the Zouks bowlers were too clever on the night, taking the pace off the ball and making scoring very difficult.
Also among the runs were Pakistani Shoaib Malik with 31 off 19 balls and Jason Holder also 31 off 19 deliveries.Earlier, a partnership of 138 runs off 12.3 overs set up the innings nicely forSt Lucia Zouks. After the early loss of Johnson Charles, Fletcher was joined by a world class batsman in Pietersen and he produced a world class innings much to the delight of the crowd on hand.
As soon as the former England star stepped up to the crease, he took control and the only respite the Tridents had was in over number 14 when he left for a bruising 73 off just 39 balls with seven fours and four sixes. Whilst he batted it was child's play as he did like he pleased.
Fletcher on the other hand was a brilliant understudy and when Pietersen left he took control of proceedings and for once Keiron Pollard had no answers. The Grenadian, who has enjoyed a wonderful CPL this season, raced to 77 before Mendis accounted for him. He faced 50 balls and struck three fours and five sixes.