Barbados Royals Stun Trinbago Knight Riders to Hand Them Third Straight Defeat in CPL 2025

Barbados Royals Stun Trinbago Knight Riders to Hand Them Third Straight Defeat in CPL 2025

In a major upset at Bridgetown, bottom-placed Barbados Royals handed Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) their third consecutive defeat in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, successfully chasing down 167 with seven wickets in hand and an over to spare. Despite being out of playoff contention, the Royals produced a clinical all-round performance to derail TKR’s bid to finish atop the points table.

TKR, still in second place, now share the same points as table-leaders St Lucia Kings, who have a game in hand.

Green Leads Royals' Bowling Masterclass

The foundation of Royals’ victory was laid by Chris Green, whose outstanding spell of 4-1-9-3 dismantled TKR’s top order. He struck early to remove both openers and returned to dismiss Keacy Carty, leaving TKR reeling at 34 for 3 during the powerplay.

Daniel Sams and Ramon Simmonds supported Green with two wickets apiece, stifling TKR’s momentum despite a spirited fightback from Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard.

Pollard and Pooran Rebuild, but TKR Fall Short

Pooran and Pollard attempted a rescue act, lifting the innings with some aggressive strokeplay — including three sixes in an over off Zishan Motara. However, their 66-run partnership was marred by a prolonged boundary drought and disciplined Royals bowling.

Pollard fell for a 25-ball 36 while Pooran laboured to 45 off 43 before both perished in the final overs. A late flourish from Akeal Hosein, who hammered 4, 6, 6, 6 off Sherfane Rutherford in the last over, pushed TKR to 166 for 8, but it ultimately proved insufficient.

De Kock, Alleyne Set the Tone for the Chase

In response, Quinton de Kock starred with a blistering 31-ball 55, unleashing a flurry of leg-side sixes. His 62-run opening stand with youngster Kadeem Alleyne (36) gave the Royals a dominant start in the powerplay.

Despite a middle-overs slowdown triggered by Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Usman Tariq, which included a 20-ball stretch without a boundary, Royals remained poised. The dismissal of de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen briefly opened the door for TKR, but Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford slammed it shut.

Rutherford, Powell Finish the Job

With 45 required from the last four overs, Powell targeted Andre Russell for 18 runs in a single over, swinging momentum firmly back to Royals. Rutherford then sealed the win in style, clobbering four sixes in five balls off Pollard to chase down the target with six balls remaining.

What This Means

  • Trinbago Knight Riders have now lost three in a row, their worst streak since 2022.

  • Barbados Royals, despite being knocked out of the playoffs race, ended their campaign on a high.

  • The result keeps the race for the top spot in the points table open, with St Lucia Kings in prime position to claim it with one match remaining.

Match Summary:
Barbados Royals 172/3 (de Kock 55, Alleyne 36, Rutherford 32*)
beat
Trinbago Knight Riders 166/8 (Pooran 45, Pollard 36, Green 3-9)
by 7 wickets