Powell, Green Power Royals to First Win of CPL 2025 Despite Tim David’s Late Surge

Powell, Green Power Royals to First Win of CPL 2025 Despite Tim David’s Late Surge

Barbados Royals finally opened their account in the CPL 2025 season, registering a 27-run victory over the table-topping St Lucia Kings at Kensington Oval. Skipper Rovman Powell led from the front with a blistering 41* off just 17 balls, while Chris Green contributed with both bat and ball to deliver the Royals’ much-needed breakthrough win.

Despite the win, the Royals remain at the bottom of the points table, while St Lucia Kings, led by David Wiese, continue to share the top spot with Nicholas Pooran’s Trinbago Knight Riders — separated only by net run-rate.

Powell Sparks Late-innings Surge

Opting to bat first after being put in, Barbados Royals had a cautious start and were 39 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Quinton de Kock fell early to left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, and the middle overs saw further damage from South African wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who claimed the key wickets of Brandon King (42), Kadeem Alleyne (39), and Sherfane Rutherford (16) in a miserly spell that cost only 26 runs.

At 120 for 5 in the 16th over, Royals looked set for a below-par total until Powell joined Green. Powell took charge in the death overs, punishing Alzarri Joseph with two sixes and a four in the 19th over. The duo then smashed rookie Delano Potgieter for 22 runs in the final over, finishing on 191 for 5 — a formidable total.

Green Strikes Early, Sams Halts David

Chris Green made an immediate impact with the ball, removing Johnson Charles and Roston Chase to rattle the Kings’ top order. Wicketkeeper Tim Seifert offered a brief counterattack with 24 off 13, but was bowled by Jomel Warrican.

Tim David, known for his explosive finishing ability, looked dangerous during his 28-ball 44 and gave the Kings hope. However, Daniel Sams dismissed him at a crucial moment, reducing Kings to 94 for 6 after 12 overs, still needing 98 from the final eight.

Late cameos from David Wiese and Alzarri Joseph narrowed the gap, but the Royals' disciplined bowling at the death ensured Kings were restricted to 164 for 9.

Royals Still in Playoff Hunt

The win gives Barbados Royals a much-needed morale boost and keeps their playoff hopes alive. For the Kings, the loss is a setback but they maintain their top-tier position thanks to earlier victories and a strong net run-rate.

With several matches still to come, the battle for playoff spots promises to be intense as the CPL 2025 season heats up.