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Kieron Pollard’s Explosive Knock Powers Trinbago Knight Riders to Victory Over St. Lucia Kings
In a high-octane Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 clash, Kieron Pollard rolled back the years with a blistering 29-ball 65, smashing six sixes and four fours, to guide Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to an 18-run win over defending champions St. Lucia Kings. Backed by crucial contributions from Colin Munro and Nicholas Pooran, Pollard’s middle-order fireworks proved decisive in a match that ebbed and flowed before TKR held their nerve.
This win not only keeps the Knight Riders in strong contention but also underlines Pollard’s lasting impact as one of CPL’s greatest finishers.
Trinbago Knight Riders’ Batting Brilliance
Munro and Pooran Build the Foundation
TKR’s innings began brightly through Colin Munro and Alex Hales, who added quick runs in the PowerPlay. While Hales fell early to David Wiese, Munro carried on to score a fluent 43 off 30 balls before being dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi.
From a tricky 78/3 in the 11th over, captain Nicholas Pooran (34 off 30) combined with Pollard to shift the momentum. Their 82-run stand off 42 balls became the game’s turning point.
👉 Related reading: CPL 2025 latest match updates
Pollard Turns Back the Clock
Dropped early by Shamsi, Pollard made the Kings pay heavily. He notched his 200th CPL six off David Wiese and then unleashed his full power against skipper Roston Chase in the 17th over — smashing three consecutive sixes and a four in a 24-run over.
The veteran all-rounder brought up his half-century off just 22 balls and looked unstoppable before Oshane Thomas finally dismissed him in the 19th over. Still, his explosive 65 (29) pushed TKR to a daunting total of 183/7.
St. Lucia Kings’ Response
Strong Start from Openers
Chasing 184, the Kings began with intent as Tim Seifert (35) and Johnson Charles (47) powered the side to 60/0 inside six overs. Their aggressive approach kept the home fans hopeful as they punished Akeal Hosein and Mohammad Amir early.
However, once the openers fell, the innings began to lose rhythm. From 84/1 at 10 overs, the Kings slipped to 115/4 by the 15th over, a phase where TKR wrestled back control.
Controversy and Collapse
The dismissal of Tim David sparked controversy. Amir’s delivery seemed to pass the bat cleanly, but UltraEdge showed a spike just after the ball went past. Despite the inconclusive evidence, the third umpire gave it out, leaving David frustrated.
With pressure mounting, Sunil Narine’s tight spell (4 overs for 25 runs) and Usman Tariq’s 2/20 ensured the Kings couldn’t find momentum in the middle overs.
Late Drama but No Miracle Finish
All-rounders Delano Potgieter and David Wiese threatened to revive the chase, especially after taking 15 runs off Andre Russell’s 17th over. Yet, Tariq struck again to dismiss Wiese and end hopes of a miracle.
Needing 29 from the final six balls, Ackeem Auguste hit a six off the first delivery, but Russell’s experience prevailed as the Kings closed at 165/6, falling short by 18 runs.
Brief Scores
Trinbago Knight Riders: 183/7 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 65, Colin Munro 43; Keon Gaston 2-38)
St. Lucia Kings: 165/6 in 20 overs (Johnson Charles 47, Tim Seifert 35; Usman Tariq 2-20)
Result: TKR won by 18 runs
Legacy of Pollard in CPL
This match once again highlighted Pollard’s evergreen ability to change the game within a few overs. Already one of the league’s most prolific hitters, he continues to entertain fans and inspire young cricketers with his fearless approach.
👉 Read more about CPL 2025 fixtures and results on ESPNcricinfo
