Hosein stars with bat and ball as TKR clinch 2025 CPL title in thrilling finale at Providence
PROVIDENCE, GUYANA: The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) held their nerve in a nail-biting final to defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors by three wickets and claim a record-extending fifth Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title at a sold-out Providence Stadium.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Imran Tahir’s Warriors suffered a shaky start as young opener Quentin Sampson fell to Andre Russell in just the first over. Despite a quickfire 28 off 17 balls from Ben McDermott, the Warriors crawled to 41/2 at the end of the PowerPlay and struggled to gain momentum throughout the innings.
TKR spinners apply the squeeze
The Knight Riders’ spin trio played a pivotal role in restricting the hosts:
Akeal Hosein: 2/26 (Player of the Match)
Usman Tariq: 1/18
Sunil Narine: 0/30 (economical middle overs)
Left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar cleaned up the tail with 3/25, helping dismiss Guyana for a modest total that gave TKR the upper hand heading into the chase.
TKR survive late scare in tense chase
In reply, the Knight Riders stumbled to 89/4 in the 13th over, keeping the Providence crowd engaged and hopeful of a Warriors comeback. Kieron Pollard momentarily eased pressure with three towering sixes off Tahir, showcasing his big-match pedigree.
But the veteran spinner Tahir struck back with two wickets in two balls – removing both Pollard and Russell – to swing the momentum once again.
Akeal Hosein, however, returned to deliver in the clutch, sealing victory with consecutive boundaries off Gudakesh Motie to guide TKR to 133/7 with 12 balls to spare.
Tahir finishes tournament as top wicket-taker
Despite the defeat, Imran Tahir capped off a remarkable tournament by finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets. His 3/34 in the final almost turned the tide, but the Warriors fell just short of a historic win at home.
Alex Hales anchored the innings with a measured 26 off 34 balls, while Hosein’s calm presence under pressure proved decisive.
Trinbago Knight Riders claim fifth CPL crown
With the win, TKR lifted their fifth CPL title, the most by any franchise in tournament history. The Providence Stadium crowd witnessed a thrilling finale, but it was Trinidad and Tobago’s Knight Riders who etched their name into the history books once again.
Final Score:
Guyana Amazon Warriors – 130 all out
Trinbago Knight Riders – 133/7 (18 overs)
Player of the Match: Akeal Hosein (TKR)
For complete match stats and highlights, visit cplt20.com.
