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Colin Munro’s Blazing Century Powers Trinbago Knight Riders to Winning Start in CPL 2025
TKR Begin Campaign with High-Scoring Thriller
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 witnessed a record-breaking start as Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) overcame St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in a high-octane contest at Port of Spain. Veteran opener Colin Munro produced a breathtaking century — the first of this CPL season — scoring 120 off just 57 deliveries. His blistering knock propelled TKR to a mammoth 231/5 in their 20 overs.
Despite a spirited chase led by Jason Holder and Rilee Rossouw, the Patriots eventually fell short by 12 runs, finishing with 219/7. This thrilling contest not only set the tone for TKR’s campaign but also gave fans one of the most entertaining opening matches of CPL 2025.
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Munro and Hales Dominate the PowerPlay
Early Assault Shatters Patriots’ Plans
Colin Munro wasted no time asserting dominance, flicking Naseem Shah for a six early in his innings before dispatching Dominic Drakes for three consecutive boundaries. Alex Hales joined the carnage, striking cleanly and ensuring TKR raced past fifty inside five overs.
The PowerPlay ended with Munro bringing up his half-century in just 21 balls, hitting a flurry of boundaries and sixes. By the end of six overs, Knight Riders had stormed to 77/0 — a platform that left the Patriots with no immediate answers.
Hales, who contributed a brisk 47 off 25 balls, welcomed Waqar Salamkheil with two massive sixes, but the Afghan spinner had the last laugh, removing Hales to break the opening stand worth 100 runs.
Munro’s Century Lights Up CPL 2025
If the PowerPlay belonged to both openers, the middle and death overs were Munro’s stage alone. The left-hander continued to find gaps effortlessly, punishing both pace and spin. Even after losing Alex Hales and Nicholas Pooran cheaply, TKR never lost momentum thanks to their senior campaigner.
Munro raced into the 90s before drilling Naseem Shah straight down the ground to bring up his century off just 50 balls. His milestone was celebrated with another towering six on the very next delivery, reminding the opposition that he had no plans of slowing down.
Skipper Kieron Pollard added a handy cameo, while Munro’s fireworks ensured TKR crossed the 230-run mark. Munro was finally dismissed in the 19th over for 120, but by then, the damage had been inflicted beyond repair.
Patriots Fight But Fall Short
Early Momentum, Mid-Innings Collapse
Chasing 232, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots made a flying start, matching TKR’s aggression in the PowerPlay. Andre Fletcher and Evin Lewis went after Mohammad Amir, taking 24 runs off a single over. At 65/0 in six overs, the Patriots were well on track.
However, Akeal Hosein’s tight spell halted their charge. He conceded just 25 runs in his four overs and picked up a crucial wicket, breaking the rhythm of the chase. Two more quick wickets pushed St Kitts onto the backfoot.
At the halfway stage, the Patriots needed 137 off 60 balls. Rossouw reignited hopes with back-to-back sixes, while Jason Holder kept fighting with a powerful 44-run knock. But the required rate kept climbing as TKR’s spinners choked the middle overs.
TKR’s Bowlers Seal the Deal
With 80 required off the last 30 deliveries, Patriots were still in the hunt. However, three wickets in quick succession derailed their challenge. Usman Tariq starred with the ball, finishing with 4/33, including crucial breakthroughs that broke the backbone of the chase.
Though Jason Holder tried to stretch the contest deep, Amir’s brilliant 19th over restricted the scoring. The Patriots eventually fell 12 runs short, ending at 219/7 in their 20 overs.
Brief Scores
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Trinbago Knight Riders: 231/5 in 20 overs (Colin Munro 120, Alex Hales 47; Jason Holder 2/40)
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St Kitts & Nevis Patriots: 219/7 in 20 overs (Jason Holder 44, Andre Fletcher 41; Usman Tariq 4/33)
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 12 runs.
Key Highlights of the Match
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Colin Munro smashed the first century of CPL 2025 with a 57-ball 120.
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TKR posted the highest opening-day total in CPL history.
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Alex Hales’ aggressive 47 gave TKR the perfect launch pad.
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Usman Tariq’s 4/33 proved decisive in breaking the Patriots’ chase.
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Jason Holder and Rilee Rossouw kept the game alive but lacked finishing support.
For complete coverage of the Caribbean Premier League official fixtures and standings, visit the CPL’s official website.
