The Trinbago Knight Riders stormed into the CPL 2025 final after dismantling defending champions Saint Lucia Kings by 56 runs in Qualifier 2. Alex Hales and Nicholas Pooran struck crucial half-centuries, while Sunil Narine and Usman Tariq ripped through the opposition with spin. The four-time CPL winners will now lock horns with Guyana Amazon Warriors in the grand finale.
Pooran and Hales Steer TKR to Big Total
Colin Munro’s early dismissal for six brought together Alex Hales and Nicholas Pooran at the crease in just the second over. Pooran took charge from the outset, racing to his fifty before Roston Chase bowled him with one that snuck through his attempted swipe.
Hales initially struggled for fluency but later accelerated with powerful strokes, including a six against Tymal Mills and boundaries off Alzarri Joseph. Kieron Pollard added fireworks by smashing three sixes in one over from Tabraiz Shamsi, shifting momentum firmly towards TKR.
The highlight came at the death when Andre Russell lit up the final over, smashing David Wiese for 6, 6, 4, 6 in a brutal 12-ball cameo worth 28 runs. Hales finished unbeaten on 58 as TKR piled up a commanding 194/4 in their 20 overs.
Narine and Tariq Break Kings’ Resistance
Chasing 195, Tim Seifert gave the Kings early hope with crisp boundaries, including four in succession off Saurabh Netravalkar, before bringing up a fluent fifty. However, TKR’s spinners soon turned the contest.
Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein dried up the runs and built pressure. Johnson Charles fell cheaply, while Usman Tariq removed two set batters in quick succession to shift control. Narine then produced a stunning double wicket-maiden, tightening the noose further.
Tim David tried to counterattack with a four and a six but couldn’t convert it into a big score. Tariq returned in the final over to grab two more wickets, completing figures of 4/35. Narine’s spell of 3/18 left the Kings reeling at 138/8, well short of the target.
Match Summary
Trinbago Knight Riders 194/4 in 20 overs (Alex Hales 58*, Nicholas Pooran 50; Roston Chase 1-16, Khary Pierre 1-24)
Saint Lucia Kings 138/8 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 57, Tim David 28; Usman Tariq 4-35, Sunil Narine 3-18)
Result: TKR won by 56 runs
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