By Anas Ahmed 
Gros Islet, August 23, 2025: The Trinbago Knight Riders rode on a vintage Kieron Pollard special to edge past Saint Lucia Kings by 18 runs in the 10th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Both sides entered the clash with just one win each, desperate to inject momentum into their campaigns. It was Pollard’s 29-ball 65, studded with six sixes and four boundaries, that made the difference in a contest filled with ebbs and flows.
Munro and Hales Set the Platform
Put into bat by Kings skipper David Wiese, Trinbago’s openers Colin Munro and Alex Hales gave their side a confident start. Their 47-run stand came at a brisk pace before Hales fell to Wiese, caught by Tabraiz Shamsi.
Munro looked in fine touch, striking six crisp boundaries in his 43 off 30 balls. However, he holed out attempting to up the ante, giving Shamsi his first wicket of the evening.
Captain Nicholas Pooran’s steady 34 off 30 held the middle order together before Pollard walked in and shifted gears dramatically. His destructive strokeplay ensured the Knight Riders reached 183/7 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive on a balanced Gros Islet surface.
Kings Fight but Fall Short
In reply, Johnson Charles (47 off 37) and Tim Seifert (35 off 24) gave the Kings hope, stitching together crucial runs in the powerplay and middle overs. However, regular breakthroughs from Trinbago’s bowlers kept the chase in check.
Leg-spinner Usman Tariq (2/20) stifled the middle overs, while Andre Russell (2/38) defended 29 runs in the final over, including dismissing Delano Potgieter.
Despite a spirited six from Ackeem Auguste on the first ball of the last over, the Kings could only muster 165/6 in 20 overs, falling short by 18 runs.
Brief Scores
Trinbago Knight Riders 183/7 (20 overs)
Kieron Pollard 65 (29), Colin Munro 43 (30), Nicholas Pooran 34 (30); Ramon Simmonds 2/26, Roston Chase 1/23
Saint Lucia Kings 165/6 (20 overs)
Johnson Charles 47 (37), Tim Seifert 35 (24), Ackeem Auguste 20 (14); Usman Tariq 2/20, Andre Russell 2/38
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 18 runs
Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard (65 off 29)
Pollard the Difference
The win propels Trinbago Knight Riders to third on the CPL 2025 table, while the Kings remain rooted near the bottom after their first completed match of the season.
Zainab Shafiq