Kieron Pollard delivered a match-winning performance, smashing an unbeaten 52 off just 19 balls to guide the Trinbago Knight Riders to a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Saint Lucia Kings. Chasing 188, the Knight Riders reached the target with five balls to spare, thanks to Pollard’s late onslaught and a solid contribution from Shaqkere Parris.
Kings’ Strong Start and Middle-Order Revival
After being sent in to bat, the Saint Lucia Kings posted 187/6 in their 20 overs. Opener Johnson Charles set the tone with a couple of early sixes, while captain Faf du Plessis chanced his way to a brisk start, despite being dropped twice. However, du Plessis was bowled for 23 by Waqar Salamkheil in the eighth over.
The Kings’ innings slowed during the middle overs as Sunil Narine capitalized on spin-friendly conditions, taking 2/13 from his four overs. Despite the lull, Roston Chase anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 40 balls, providing the necessary late surge to push the Kings to a competitive total.
Parris’ Fiery Start
In response, the Knight Riders got off to a flying start, with Sunil Narine providing a quick cameo before being dismissed by debutant Khari Campbell. Shaqkere Parris then took charge, smashing three sixes in the fifth over to keep the Knight Riders ahead of the required run rate. Parris raced to his half-century off just 20 balls, hitting sixes with ease as the Knight Riders passed 100 by the ninth over.
However, Parris’ momentum stalled after a dropped catch and a fiery spell from Alzarri Joseph. Eventually, he fell for 57, lured into a false shot by Noor Ahmad.
Pollard’s Heroics Under Pressure
With wickets falling at regular intervals, the Knight Riders stumbled in the middle overs, and the match appeared to be slipping away. Keacy Carty struggled for fluency and was eventually dismissed for 21 after a stunning catch by substitute fielder David Wiese.
The pressure mounted with 27 runs needed off the final 12 balls, but Kieron Pollard remained calm under pressure. Pollard unleashed his power in the penultimate over, smashing four sixes off Matthew Forde to take control of the chase. His unbeaten 52 off 19 balls sealed the win, marking his first CPL half-century since 2021 and leaving the Saint Lucia fans stunned.
Key Performances:
- Kieron Pollard: 52* (19) & 1/22
- Shaqkere Parris: 57 (33)
- Roston Chase: 56* (40)
- Sunil Narine: 2/13 (4 overs)
Brief Scores:
- St Lucia Kings: 187/6 in 20 overs (Roston Chase 56*, Waqar Salamkheil 2/37, Sunil Narine 2/13)
- Trinbago Knight Riders: 189/6 in 19.1 overs (Kieron Pollard 52*, Shaqkere Parris 57, Noor Ahmad 2/35)
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 4 wickets with 5 balls remaining.
Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard – 52* (19) & 1/22.
The win moves the Knight Riders to a 2-1 record, while the Kings now sit at 2-2 in the CPL standings. Pollard’s match-winning performance, alongside Parris’ blistering innings, secured an important victory for the Knight Riders.
