By Anas Ahmed 
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 saw its first confirmed play-off contender as the Trinbago Knight Riders held off the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by 12 runs in Tarouba. It was a night that belonged to Kieron Pollard, whose trademark six-hitting display ensured his side cemented their place at the top of the table with 12 points.
Pollard Unleashes His Power
The Knight Riders were in early strife after both openers — Colin Munro (17) and Alex Hales (7) — fell inside the Powerplay. Nicholas Pooran then anchored the innings with a composed 52 off 38 balls, holding the middle together.
But it was Pollard’s 65 off 29 deliveries that turned the innings into a spectacle. Clearing the ropes seven times in eight balls, including four sixes in a row off Waqar Salamkheil, he lifted the team from a modest platform to a strong 179/6. His acceleration came just when the innings seemed to be stalling.
Andre Russell added a late cameo with 10* off 5 to close the innings in style.
Patriots Start Strong but Falter Late
The chase began brightly for the Patriots. Evin Lewis (42 off 25) and Andre Fletcher (67 off 54) combined in a 96-run opening stand that had the Trinbago fans worried. Fletcher’s fluency and Lewis’ aggression gave the visitors belief that the upset was on.
However, the turning point came in the middle overs. Alick Athanaze (18 off 14) fell to a miscued reverse ramp, and shortly after, Fletcher’s leg stump was rattled by Usman Tariq just when he looked capable of finishing the job.
Nathan Edward’s double strike in the 17th over — removing Kyle Mayers and Jyd Goolie off successive balls — crippled the chase. Captain Jason Holder (7 off 9) was dismissed soon after, leaving the lower order with too much to do.
Despite cameos from Mohammad Rizwan (10*) and Navin Bidaisee (12*), the Patriots closed at 167/6, falling just short.
Concerns Amid Celebration
While the Knight Riders celebrated another win and early qualification, there was some worry with Mohammad Amir limping off late with a suspected groin strain. His fitness could be crucial for the latter stages of the competition.
Still, the result highlights Trinbago’s dominance this season — six wins in seven games, backed by power hitting, tight bowling, and consistency across the squad.
Brief Scores
Trinbago Knight Riders 179/6 (20 overs)
Kieron Pollard 65 (29), Nicholas Pooran 52 (38); Jason Holder 2/25, Navin Bidaisee 1/30
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 167/6 (20 overs)
Andre Fletcher 67 (54), Evin Lewis 42 (25); Nathan Edward 3/30, Mohammad Amir 2/29
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 12 runs
Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard (65 off 29)
Zainab Shafiq