By Anas Ahmed 
Barbados Royals produced their most electric performance of CPL 2025, storming to a seven-wicket win over Trinbago Knight Riders thanks to explosive batting from Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell.
The highlight came in the 18th over when Kieron Pollard’s medium pace was ruthlessly dispatched for four sixes — three by Rutherford and one by Powell — sending the home crowd at Kensington Oval into delirium. The Royals chased down 167 with an over to spare, securing only their second win of the season but doing it in unforgettable fashion.
Knight Riders Stumble Despite Pooran-Pollard Stand
After rain delayed the start, Royals captain Powell opted to field. The move paid off instantly as Chris Green’s precision in the powerplay rattled the Knight Riders. Green removed Colin Munro and Alex Hales early, eventually finishing with 3/9 in his four overs to peg Trinbago back to 41/4.
It required a rescue mission from Nicholas Pooran (45 off 44) and Pollard (36 off 25) to rebuild the innings. The pair stitched a 73-run stand to lift the Knight Riders to 166/8, a total that seemed competitive on a slow Bridgetown surface.
De Kock Fires, Joseph Anchors
The Royals’ reply began with fireworks as Quinton de Kock smashed a 25-ball 55, clearing the ropes three times and finding the fence thrice more. His aggressive intent ensured the hosts stayed ahead of the asking rate. Partner Kadeem Alleyne added a steady 36 off 27, sharing an 87-run opening stand that laid the perfect foundation.
Though Sunil Narine and Usman Tariq bowled tightly in the middle overs to momentarily stall the chase, the Royals had firepower in reserve.
Rutherford and Powell Finish in Style
Enter Rutherford and Powell, who ensured there were no late twists. With 34 needed from the last three overs, they launched an assault on Pollard. Rutherford’s clean hitting and Powell’s authority completed the job in emphatic fashion, sealing a rare but morale-boosting victory.
Chris Green was named Player of the Match for his crucial spell with the ball, but the night belonged to the Royals’ big hitters who turned the contest into a carnival.
What It Means
Despite the win, the Royals remain at the foot of the CPL 2025 table with just five points. However, the display underlined their potential and left fans wondering what might have been if consistency had matched their power. For the Knight Riders, the defeat leaves them under pressure heading into the final week of league fixtures.
Brief Scores
Trinbago Knight Riders 166/8 (Pooran 45, Pollard 36; Green 3/9)
Barbados Royals 167/3 in 19 overs (de Kock 55, Alleyne 36, Rutherford 41*, Powell 19*)
Result: Royals won by 7 wickets with six balls to spare.
Player of the Match: Chris Green (3/9)
Zainab Shafiq