By Anas Ahmed 
Basseterre, August 21, 2025: The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots secured a much-needed victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 as captain Jason Holder masterminded a 12-run win against the Barbados Royals at Warner Park.
The Royals, chasing 175, looked in contention until Holder’s late strikes dismantled their lower order, sealing a thrilling contest that leaves Rovman Powell’s side winless after two games.
Patriots Build Around Mayers and Holder
Opting to bat first, the Patriots posted 174/8 in 20 overs, anchored by contributions from Kyle Mayers (42 off 28) and Holder himself (38 off 21).
The innings had a shaky start as Evin Lewis, Rilee Rossouw, and Mohammad Rizwan all departed cheaply, but Mayers’ clean hitting stabilized the middle overs. Holder then launched a late assault, striking four boundaries and two sixes in a blistering cameo.
Support came from Andre Fletcher (25 off 16) and Naseem Shah (19 not out off 11) as the hosts crossed 170. For the Royals, left-arm seamer Ramon Simmonds was outstanding, claiming 3/26 and delivering 11 dot balls.
Royals Falter After Strong Start
The chase began brightly with Brandon King (22 off 17) and Kadeem Alleyne (42 off 28) pushing the Royals to 92/3 at the halfway mark. With wickets in hand, they appeared well-placed.
But Holder’s return spell flipped the game. He removed Brandon King early and then ran through the lower order, twice striking in consecutive deliveries. His 4/14 in 3.2 overs suffocated the Royals’ momentum.
Despite cameos from Powell (21 off 15) and Daniel Sams (16 off 8), the Royals collapsed to 162 all out in 18.2 overs, falling short of the target.
Turning Point
Holder’s dismissal of Jomel Warrican lbw in the 19th over confirmed the Royals’ fate, highlighting his composure and match-winning ability.
Brief Scores
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 174/8 (20 overs) Kyle Mayers 42 (28), Jason Holder 38 (21), Andre Fletcher 25 (16); Ramon Simmonds 3/26, Daniel Sams 2/24
Barbados Royals 162 all out (18.2 overs) Kadeem Alleyne 42 (28), Brandon King 22 (17), Rovman Powell 21 (15); Jason Holder 4/14, Navin Bidaisee 2/33, Naseem Shah 2/32
Result: Patriots won by 12 runs
Player of the Match: Jason Holder (38 off 21 & 4/14)
What It Means
The win lifts the Patriots to second on the CPL 2025 table, although they’ve played five games already. The Royals remain at the bottom, still hunting for their first victory of the season.
Zainab Shafiq