Kirk McKenzie produced a sensational 69 from just 25 balls as the Jamaica Kingsmen stunned the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by five wickets, completing the highest successful run chase at Sabina Park in CPL history to secure their first victory of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 season.
Chasing a challenging 183 for victory, the Kingsmen attacked from the outset and reached their target with eight balls to spare, despite strong performances from Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Usman Tariq for TKR.
McKenzie Explodes as Kingsmen Chase Down 183
The Kingsmen wasted little time putting TKR under pressure.
McKenzie delivered a devastating display of power hitting, smashing 69 from only 25 deliveries and spearheading an incredible Power Play in which Jamaica raced to 82 without loss.
Reeza Hendricks provided support at the other end as the Kingsmen surged well ahead of the required run rate.
TKR spinner Usman Tariq briefly threatened to change the contest with an excellent 3/21, but Jamaica refused to surrender control.
Powell and Russell Finish the Job
After Tariq’s breakthroughs gave TKR hope, Rovman Powell and Andre Russell combined for a crucial 48-run partnership.
With both players familiar with the conditions at Sabina Park, the pair steadied the chase before putting Jamaica back on course for victory.
TKR’s hopes of producing a late comeback then suffered a major blow as Terrence Hinds and Nathan Edward conceded 17 and 28 runs respectively in the 16th and 17th overs.
The Kingsmen eventually completed the chase with eight deliveries remaining, sealing a memorable five-wicket victory.
Pollard and Pooran Power TKR to 182/6
Earlier, TKR were sent in to bat and initially struggled to build momentum.
Colin Munro and Alex Hales were kept relatively quiet before Russell removed Munro inside the Power Play.
But the return of captain Nicholas Pooran and veteran power-hitter Kieron Pollard transformed the innings.
Pooran struck 44, including four sixes, while Pollard blasted 44 from just 22 balls. Their 67-run third-wicket partnership placed TKR in position to launch towards a huge total.
Pooran’s dismissal before the death overs, however, proved significant.
The Kingsmen struck with late wickets to restrict TKR’s acceleration, although Jyd Goolie and Sunil Narine added valuable late boundaries to lift the Trinidad and Tobago franchise to 182/6.
It looked competitive.
McKenzie made it look anything but.
Historic Night at Sabina Park
The victory was particularly significant for Jamaica, marking the Kingsmen’s first win of CPL 2026 in their fourth match.
More importantly, their successful pursuit of 183 became the highest successful CPL run chase at Sabina Park, adding a piece of history to an explosive night in Kingston.
For TKR, Pollard’s 44 from 22 balls, Pooran’s 44 and Tariq’s 3/21 were not enough to prevent defeat as Jamaica’s aggressive batting overwhelmed their bowling attack.
What’s Next for Jamaica Kingsmen and TKR?
The Jamaica Kingsmen return to Sabina Park on Tuesday night for their final home fixture against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
TKR will look to bounce back when they travel to St Lucia to face the Saint Lucia Kings on Saturday.
