TKR Enter CPL 2025 Final After Pooran, Hales And Spinners Dominate Saint Lucia Kings

The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) reaffirmed their status as Caribbean Premier League royalty, delivering a clinical, dominant performance to crush the defending champions Saint Lucia Kings (SLK) by 56 runs in Qualifier 2 of the CPL 2025, held at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. With this emphatic victory, the four-time CPL champions sealed their place in yet another final—poised now to hunt for their fifth CPL title.

Led by a vintage display from Nicholas Pooran, a polished knock by Alex Hales, and a lethal spell by Sunil Narine and Usman Tariq, the Knight Riders fired on all cylinders in all three departments, leaving the Saint Lucia Kings gasping for answers.

The Context: Win or Go Home

With a spot in the final on the line, the stage was set for a high-octane clash between the seasoned giants of Trinidad & Tobago and the resilient defending champions from Saint Lucia. TKR entered the match as slight favorites, having rediscovered form in the business end of the tournament, while SLK looked to ride on the back of recent momentum.

The toss proved crucial—Saint Lucia opted to bowl first, perhaps influenced by chasing trends at the Providence surface. However, what unfolded over the next four hours was a Trinbago masterclass—a reminder of why they’re the most successful franchise in CPL history.

First Innings: Hales, Pooran, and Power in the Death Overs

Put in to bat, Trinbago Knight Riders made the most of their opportunity to set a total, crafting an imposing 194/5 in their 20 overs. Their innings was marked by composure, calculated aggression, and late-innings firepower that proved too hot for SLK’s bowlers to handle.

Alex Hales: Ice-cool Opening Stand

English opener Alex Hales, known for his towering sixes and calm approach, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 44 balls, including 4 massive sixes. His knock was an exhibition of timing and power, setting the tone for what would become a batting onslaught.

“Alex held the innings beautifully. His ability to rotate strike and unleash big hits at just the right moments was exactly what we needed,” said head coach Daren Ganga post-match.

Nicholas Pooran: The Aggressive Engine Room

If Hales was the anchor, Nicholas Pooran was the storm. Walking in at No. 3, the stylish left-hander tore into SLK’s middle-overs bowling, scoring a fiery 50 off just 32 balls, peppered with 5 boundaries and 4 sixes. His ability to dominate both spin and pace was the turning point of the innings.

Pooran’s timing, footwork, and intent stood out. By the time he was dismissed, he had propelled TKR’s scoring rate past 9 RPO, laying the foundation for the fireworks to follow.

Pollard & Russell Finish with Fury

TKR’s legendary power-hitters Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell lived up to their billing.

Pollard scored a steady 35 off 26 balls, holding the innings together in the latter part.
Russell, true to reputation, smashed 28 off just 12 deliveries, including back-to-back sixes in the 18th over that tilted the momentum heavily in TKR’s favor.

“We knew if we could push past 180, we’d have the upper hand. Dre Russ just unleashed at the right time,” said Pooran during the post-match presentation.

The final total of 194/5 was always going to be challenging on a track that offered just enough assistance to bowlers.

Second Innings: SLK’s Chase Falters Under Pressure

Chasing a steep target of 195 in a knockout match was never going to be easy. SLK started their innings with promise but soon succumbed to scoreboard pressure and the brilliance of TKR’s bowling attack, eventually crumbling to 138/8.

Tim Seifert’s Lone Fight

Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert was the lone warrior for SLK, smashing a fluent 57 off 40 balls, laced with 8 crisp boundaries. He started confidently, driving and cutting with authority, and looked well-set for a big one.

However, with wickets tumbling around him and no stable partnerships forming, his effort was not enough to turn the tide.

Collapse of the Middle Order

The wheels came off for SLK once Seifert departed. Despite a handy 28 from Tim David, the rest of the batting order couldn’t keep up with the rising required rate.

Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, and Sean Williams all fell cheaply.
Big-hitters like David Wiese and Alzarri Joseph struggled to make an impact.

SLK ended with a below-par 138/8, falling short by a massive 56 runs.

Bowling Brilliance: Narine & Tariq Spin a Web

While TKR’s batters set the tone, it was their bowlers who sealed the deal, particularly their spin duo.

Sunil Narine: Evergreen Enforcer

At 37, Sunil Narine continues to defy logic. His 3/18 in 4 overs strangled the SLK middle order. Bowling with flight, guile, and variations in pace, Narine was virtually unplayable.

“Narine is gold in T20s. His control and deception remain unmatched. Having him in the playoffs is like a cheat code,” said Pollard post-match.

Narine’s three wickets came at crucial junctures, dismissing Chase, Williams, and Tim David—all key players.

Usman Tariq: Breakout Star

If Narine choked the runs, Usman Tariq detonated SLK’s chase. The leg-spinner, who has quietly risen through TKR’s ranks, bagged a match-winning 4/29, ripping through the middle order.

Tariq’s spell was not just effective—it was decisive. His dismissal of Seifert, caught sweeping, broke the back of the chase.

“Usman has been our X-factor this season. He’s fearless and intelligent, and today he showed why we believe in him,” noted Pooran.

Kieron Pollard: The Skipper’s All-Round Impact

The ever-reliable Kieron Pollard also chipped in with a tidy spell—1 wicket for just 4 runs—and led the side with calm authority, rotating bowlers efficiently and keeping the pressure on SLK.

Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran

There were many contenders, but Nicholas Pooran’s dynamic 50 stood out for its impact.

“We’ve been through some tough seasons, but this time, the belief is different. Everyone is playing for each other. I’m just proud to be a part of this group,” Pooran said after receiving the Player of the Match award.

He also credited the bowlers:

“Our spinners have been phenomenal. Usman is a superstar in the making. And with Narine in the mix, we always knew we’d have a chance.”

Match Summary: TKR vs SLK – CPL 2025 Qualifier 2

Aspect	Details
Venue	Providence Stadium, Guyana
Toss	SLK won and opted to bowl
TKR Total	194/5 (20 overs)
SLK Total	138/8 (20 overs)
Result	TKR won by 56 runs
Player of the Match	Nicholas Pooran (50 off 32)
Top TKR Batters	Hales (58*), Pooran (50), Russell (28)
Top TKR Bowlers	Narine (3/18), Tariq (4/29), Pollard (1/4)
Top SLK Batters	Seifert (57), Tim David (28)

The Road Ahead: TKR Chase a Record Fifth Title

With this commanding win, Trinbago Knight Riders now march confidently into the CPL 2025 Final, eyeing their fifth CPL trophy. Their performance in Qualifier 2 sends a strong warning to whoever they face in the summit clash—TKR have peaked at the right time.

Whether it’s the explosive top order, the dependable middle overs, or the magician-like spinners—this is a team brimming with match-winners. And under the leadership of Kieron Pollard, they seem more focused and united than ever.

“We’ve been building towards this. Now it’s about executing one last time,” Pollard said in his closing note.

Vintage TKR, Future-Ready Flair

This was not just a victory—it was a statement. The Trinbago Knight Riders, with a perfect blend of veterans like Narine, Pollard, Russell, and exciting new names like Usman Tariq, are crafting a new era of dominance.

The way they outclassed Saint Lucia Kings in all three departments shows their depth, adaptability, and hunger. With one game to go, they stand on the cusp of yet another CPL crown.

The Caribbean Premier League 2025 Final awaits. And TKR are ready.
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