By Anas Ahmed 
The Trinbago Knight Riders continued their dominant run in the CPL 2025, storming to the top of the table with a seven-wicket win over the Barbados Royals in Tarouba. A power-packed chase led by Colin Munro’s 67 and Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 65 ensured the Knight Riders sealed victory with 13 balls to spare.
Royals Set a Target
Asked to bat first, the Barbados Royals put up a competitive 178/6 in their 20 overs. Contributions flowed from the middle order, with Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 45 off 22 balls the standout, supported by Kadeem Alleyne’s 41 (37) and captain Rovman Powell’s 31 off just 15 balls.
The late surge lifted their total, but the damage was limited by Andre Russell, who delivered key strikes to finish with 3/37. Russell’s wickets included Rutherford and Powell at critical moments, preventing the Royals from pushing beyond 180.
Munro and Pooran Lead the Charge
In response, the Knight Riders’ top order looked in command. After the early loss of Alex Hales and Keacy Carty, Munro and Pooran took charge with a match-turning 93-run partnership.
Munro, named Player of the Match, struck 67 off 44 balls with four fours and four sixes before being run out. Pooran then took the reins with a captain’s knock of 65 not out off 40 deliveries, including six towering sixes. His assault on Rovman Powell, where he cleared the ropes three times in succession, broke the Royals’ resistance.
Veteran Kieron Pollard (19 off 9)* applied the finishing touches, sealing the chase in style with power hitting down the ground.
Contrasting Fortunes
The win cements Trinbago Knight Riders’ position at the top of the CPL 2025 table with four wins from five matches. For the Royals, however, the defeat means they remain winless after four games, rooted to the bottom with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
After the match, Munro praised the unity in the squad:
“This is a good team that gave me my first opportunity in franchise cricket. I know with the talent we have, whether I start slow or get a flyer, someone else will step up. That’s what makes this team special.”
With a clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors looming, the Knight Riders have sent a clear statement—they are the side to beat.
Brief Scores
Barbados Royals 178/6 (20 overs) Sherfane Rutherford 45 (22), Kadeem Alleyne 41 (37), Rovman Powell 31 (15); Andre Russell 3/37 (4), Mohammad Amir 2/35 (4)
Trinbago Knight Riders 179/3 (17.5 overs) Colin Munro 67 (44), Nicholas Pooran 65* (40), Alex Hales 19 (14); Jomel Warrican 1/24 (2), Ramon Simmonds 1/28 (3.5)
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 7 wickets (with 13 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Colin Munro (67 off 44)
Zainab Shafiq