BRIDGETOWN: Barbados Royals cruised to a convincing seven-wicket win over Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 at Kensington Oval, despite determined efforts from Nicholas Pooran and Pakistan’s Usman Tariq.
Batting first, the Knight Riders posted 166-8. Pooran top-scored with a fighting 45 off 44 balls, hitting three fours and a six. Kieron Pollard added a brisk 36 off 25 deliveries, while Akeal Hosein’s late cameo of 23 from just six balls (one four, three sixes) boosted the total.
The Royals’ bowlers kept control throughout, led by Chris Green’s superb spell of 3 for 9 in four overs. Ramon Simmonds and Daniel Sams chipped in with two wickets each, while Sherfane Rutherford picked up one.
In reply, the Royals chased the target with ease, reaching 167-3 in 19 overs. Quinton de Kock and Kadeem Alleyne gave them the perfect start, putting on 87 for the first wicket. De Kock struck a fluent 55 from 35 balls, including three fours and three sixes, while Alleyne contributed 36 off 27.
Rutherford (32* off 26) and Rovman Powell (27* off 11) finished the job in style, sealing victory with an over to spare.
For the Knight Riders, Usman Tariq once again impressed, dismissing both openers and finishing with 2 for 23 in his four overs. Hosein claimed the other wicket.
Tariq’s consistency has been a highlight of the tournament. He currently sits as the third-highest wicket-taker in CPL 2025, with 13 wickets in seven matches at an economy of 7.91.
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