Pollard and Pooran Fifties Power Knight Riders to Fifth Straight Win
A blistering counterattack from Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran helped Trinbago Knight Riders extend their winning streak in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, as they defeated St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 12 runs in Tarouba on Monday.
Sent in to bat first, Knight Riders were in early trouble at 27 for 2 inside five overs, with Jason Holder and Ashmead Nedd striking early blows. Despite a shaky start, the innings was rescued by a stunning 90-run partnership between Pollard and Pooran, who took the game away from the Patriots with some explosive hitting.
Pooran set the tone by smashing three sixes off Nedd early in his innings, reaching his half-century off 38 balls. However, it was Pollard who truly ignited the innings, hammering eight sixes in a whirlwind 65 off just 24 deliveries. He brought up his fifty in only 21 balls, launching three sixes off Navin Bidaisee and four more in a single over off Waqar Salamkheil.
Thanks to their efforts, Knight Riders posted a competitive 179 for 6. A tight final over from Holder, who finished with 2 for 25, kept them from crossing 180.
In response, the Patriots got off to a strong start, with Evin Lewis (42 off 25) and Andre Fletcher (67 off 54) putting on a 96-run opening stand. However, once the pair departed, the chase lost momentum. Nathan Edward emerged as the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 30, including the key wickets of Lewis, Kyle Mayers, and Jyd Goolie. Mohammad Amir also contributed with 2 for 29 before leaving the field mid-over in visible discomfort due to a groin injury.
With 27 runs needed off the final over, Usman Tariq conceded a six off the first ball but held his nerve to ensure a Knight Riders victory, restricting the Patriots to 167 for 6.
The win marked Knight Riders' fifth consecutive triumph and sixth overall from seven matches, solidifying their position at the top of the table. Meanwhile, the Patriots' struggles continued, suffering their third straight loss and sixth defeat in their last seven outings, leaving them in fifth place on the points table.
Match Summary:
Trinbago Knight Riders: 179/6 (Pollard 65, Pooran 52, Holder 2-25)
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 167/6 (Fletcher 67, Lewis 42, Edward 3-30, Amir 2-29)
Result: Knight Riders won by 12 runs
Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard