West Indies’ star all-rounder who represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, went berserk in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 clash. Guyana Amazon Warriors' Shepherd smashes three sixes off one legitimate delivery. 20 runs were scored off one legal delivery bowled by St Lucia Kings pacer Oshane Thomas.
The incident took place in the 15th over of Guyana Amazon Warriors' innings. Thomas was wayward with his line and often overstepped. On the second delivery, he bowled a no ball. He followed it up with a wide. Then, he bowled another no ball which was deposited over deep mid-wicket for a six. The next ball was a no ball as well. Shepherd whacked it over deep square-leg, over the roof of Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium for a maximum. Thomas managed to bowl a legal delivery. However, Shepherd gave it the same treatment, hitting it over the roof at deep square leg for another maximum.
Interestingly, former West Indies captain Sammy is the coach of St. Lucia Kings whose pacer took a beating at their homeground. On the last ball, Thomas was hit for another six. Thomas ended up conceding 33 runs in his over.
Shepherd gave a similar treatment to Keon Gaston in the 17th over. Gaston bowled three consecutive wides which was followed by a four off Shepherd's bat. Gaston bowled another wide and then got hit for a four, followed by a six over deep backward point. Shepherd reached his fifty from just 23 balls. Gaston bowled fifth wide of the over. In the end, Shepherd hit him for another six. Gaston conceded 27 runs in the over. The Caribbean all-rounder remained unbeaten for 73 runs from just 34 balls. On the other end, Dwaine Pretorius contributed with a six-ball 18 cameo.
“It was a good wicket, I tried to get in good positions. The slower-ball was gripping and the pace-on balls were easy to hit. Just to keep a clear head and react to the ball. Forget about the team position and use the wind here. I took my chances against the downwind,” Shepherd said in the innings break.
Shepherd dedicates knock to his son
Shepherd dedicated the fiery knock to his son Romauldo who was present at the stadium. It was Romauldo's birthday as well.
“Yes it's my son Romauldo's birthday, he told me to take a fifer but I got some runs for him. Hopefully now I can go and get a few wickets as well. Wish him a happy birthday,” the 30-year-old said.
Shepherd ends up on losing side
With the ball, Shepherd remained wicketless and conceded 28 runs from two overs. 21-year-old Ackeem Auguste spoiled Shepherd's party as he smashed a 35-ball 75. St. Lucia Kings chased down the target of 203 with four wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.