By Anas Ahmed 
Royals Finally Break Through
The Barbados Royals finally had reason to smile as they defeated the high-flying Saint Lucia Kings by 27 runs in Game 24 of the CPL 2025. It was the Royals’ first win of the campaign, lifting spirits in Bridgetown and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Coming into the match without a victory, the Royals needed to turn things around against one of the tournament’s most consistent sides. What followed was a well-rounded team display, built on powerful hitting and incisive bowling, that left the Kings stunned.
Powell and King Set the Tone
After being asked to bat first by Kings captain David Wiese, the Royals made the most of their opportunity with the bat.
Despite Quinton de Kock departing early for just one, the middle order held firm. Brandon King struck a sparkling 42 off 31 balls, setting the tempo at the top. Kadeem Alleyne (39 off 21) added quick runs with an impressive strike rate.
The real fireworks came late, when captain Rovman Powell smashed a brutal 41 off just 17 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes. His late assault, alongside Chris Green’s unbeaten 25 off 14, powered the Royals to 191/5 — their most complete batting performance of the season.
Kings Falter Under Pressure
Chasing 192, the Kings looked capable of keeping pace early on. Tim Seifert (24 off 13) provided a brisk start, but regular wickets derailed the pursuit.
The in-form Tim David threatened with a counter-attacking 44 off 28, but his dismissal to Daniel Sams (3/31) left the chase wobbling. Sams also accounted for Aaron Jones and Alzarri Joseph, ensuring the Kings never regained momentum.
Young left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds (3/28) bowled with aggression and accuracy, picking off key wickets including Delano Potgieter and Wiese.
When Chris Green entered the attack, he delivered a decisive spell of 2/11 in three overs, dismantling the middle order and ending any hopes of a late Kings revival.
The visitors finished on 164/9, well short of the target, as the Royals celebrated a long-awaited win.
All-Round Star
Chris Green was deservedly named Player of the Match, not just for his economical bowling but also for his vital late cameo with the bat. His all-round contribution epitomized the Royals’ newfound balance in this match.
Brief Scores
Barbados Royals: 191/5 (Brandon King 42, Rovman Powell 41*, Kadeem Alleyne 39; Tabraiz Shamsi 3/26)
Saint Lucia Kings: 164/9 (Tim David 44, Alzarri Joseph 23; Daniel Sams 3/31, Ramon Simmonds 3/28, Chris Green 2/11)
Result: Barbados Royals won by 27 runs
Player of the Match: Chris Green (25* & 2/11)
Zainab Shafiq