The Trinbago Knight Riders secured a commanding 44-run victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in a high-octane match during the 2024 Caribbean Premier League. The encounter, held at Basseterre, was marked by explosive batting performances and strategic bowling, with over 450 runs scored in total.
Batting first, the Knight Riders posted an imposing total of 250/4, thanks to a scintillating knock from Nicholas Pooran, who smashed 97 off just 43 balls. Pooran’s innings, which included seven fours and nine sixes, was the backbone of Trinbago’s innings, supported by a rapid 73 from Keacy Carty. Sunil Narine also played a crucial cameo, scoring 38 off 19 balls, as Trinbago set the Patriots a daunting target.
In response, the Patriots started brightly, with Evin Lewis and Mikyle Louis leading the charge during the powerplay. However, despite a valiant effort, which included Louis’s 56 off 38 balls and Tristan Stubbs’s quickfire 39, the Patriots fell short, finishing at 206/8 after 20 overs. Sunil Narine was the pick of the bowlers for Trinbago, taking 2/24 in his four overs, stifling the Patriots’ middle order and effectively sealing the win for his side.
Post-Match Reflections
Kieron Pollard, Trinbago Knight Riders captain:
“Fantastic performance from Pooran. He is a world-class player who can deliver on any stage. The way he shepherded Carty and motivated the team was impressive. We knew the Patriots could start strong, but we trusted our spinners to control the game once the field opened up. The young players, like Parris and Edward, also stepped up when needed.”
Andre Fletcher, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain:
“We had a plan, but the execution, particularly with the ball, was lacking. Pooran took the game away from us, and we need to improve our fielding, especially catching, to compete in such high-pressure games. Louis showed promise, and we hope to build on that in the next match.”
Nicholas Pooran, Player of the Match:
“It was a good pitch, and with small boundaries, it was important to get a big total. The partnership with Carty was key, and I’m happy with how we took it deep. My focus is on growing as a player and winning matches for the team. The experience is building, and I’m keen on helping Trinbago win the CPL this season.”
Special Records and Highlights:
- Dominic Drakes set an unwanted record for the most runs conceded in a T20 innings by a Patriots bowler, giving away 77 runs in his four overs.
- The match aggregate of 456 runs is the highest in any T20 encounter between the Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Brief Scores:
Trinbago Knight Riders: 250/4 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 97, Keacy Carty 73*, Sunil Narine 38; Anrich Nortje 2/37)
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 206/8 in 20 overs (Mikyle Louis 56, Evin Lewis 39, Tristan Stubbs 39; Waqar Salamkheil 2/41, Sunil Narine 2/24)
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 44 runs
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran (Trinbago Knight Riders)
The Knight Riders, last year’s finalists, have started their CPL 2024 campaign on a strong note, while the Patriots will look to regroup and address their shortcomings in the games ahead.
