BR vs STKNP: In a long-awaited resumption of play, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) ended their three-match losing streak, finally putting a victory in their win column, with a 12-run win over the Barbados Royals (BR) in the BR vs STKNP CPL 2025 match played at Basseterre on Thursday night.
More importantly, they had the tremendous performance from all-rounder Jason Holder with both bat and ball, which laid the foundation for their victory.
Holder Leads the Way With Bat and Ball
Jason Holder profoundly impacted the performance of SKNP, scoring a quick-fire 38 runs from 21 balls before returning to take 4 wickets for 14 runs from 3.2 overs, three of those wickets in the death overs. As a result of Jason’s efforts, SKNP was able to defend the reasonably competitive total.
Patriots Recover After Early Collapse
Having been invited to bat first by the Royals, SKNP were set back early when top-order batsmen Evin Lewis, Rilee Rossouw, and debutant Mohammad Rizwan were lost within the powerplay with only 45 runs on the board.
Left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds impressed with the ball, sending both Lewis and Rossouw back, while Jomel Warrican picked up the wicket of Rizwan. Andre Fletcher looked promising but got out soon after the powerplay, scoring 25 off 16 balls.
Read More
Mayers and Holder Revive the Innings In BR vs STKNP
SKNP’s innings took off due to a crucial 49-run stand between Kyle Mayers (26 off 16) and Holder (22 off 14). Their fearless stroke play steadied the innings before they were both dismissed in the 14th and 16th overs respectively.
There was late fireworks from the Pakistani pair, Abbas Afridi (16 off 10) and Naseem Shah (19 off 11), forcing the Patriots to a defendable total that ultimately proved just sufficient.
Barbados Royals Struggle in the Run Chase
After a good beginning, Barbados Royals failed to maintain their run chase. Openers Brandon King (22 off 17) and Quinton de Kock (15 off 10) made starts, but none of the top-order players were able to take it forward to a match-winning innings.
Read More
Kadeem Alleyne, with 42 off 28 balls, led the Royals’ run-chart, with Rovman Powell contributing a 21 off 15 in quick time. But sustained wicket-taking by SKNP bowlers stopped them in their tracks.
SKNP Bowlers Seal the Win
While Holder was the hero with the ball, both Naseem Shah and young leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee contributed two wickets each. Royals were bowled out with 10 balls left, coming 12 runs short of the target a chase that appeared within reach but fell through due to frequent wickets.
Points Table Impact: Patriots Move Up, Royals Fall
This crucial victory pushes St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to second position on the CPL 2025 points table, behind leaders Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. In contrast, Barbados Royals are winless, at the bottom after two straight losses.
ALSO READ: ABF vs TKR: Falcons Secure Thrilling Last-Over Victory
