by Vidia Ramphal
The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) held their nerve in a tense chase to defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors by three wickets in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Final, lifting their fifth title and sparking jubilant celebrations across Trinidad and Tobago.
Put in to bat, the Warriors struggled for fluency after Andre Russell struck early. Despite Ben McDermott’s lively 28, they limped to 130/8. Akeal Hosein (2/26) and Sunil Narine (0/30) stifled the middle overs, while Saurabh Netravalkar’s 3/25 wrecked the lower order.
Chasing 131, TKR wavered at 89/4 before captain Kieron Pollard’s explosive cameo swung momentum. Imran Tahir (3/34) ignited late drama by removing Pollard and Russell in successive balls, but Hosein held his nerve, striking back-to-back boundaries to seal victory at 133/7 with 12 deliveries to spare.
The victory underscored TKR’s dominance in CPL history, as they extended their record for the most championships by a single franchise.
Talking Points
The Toss – Winning the toss has often proved critical in CPL finals. Before 2025, the team batting first had won only three of the 12 finals. The Amazon Warriors had lost four of their seven finals batting first and won their only title in 2023 while chasing. Once again, it was decisive. “I thought we won the game from the toss,” said Kieron Pollard. Former Warriors skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan added that batting first was risky against TKR’s squad depth, abundance of match-winners, and comfort against spin.
Providence Atmosphere – A jam-packed stadium created a carnival of noise, but it couldn’t push the Warriors over the line. Providence Stadium was fully behind their team, backing them for a second title in three years. However, the Knight Riders started well and gradually silenced the Guyanese faithful as the game went on.
McDermott’s Brief Spark – The Aussie import’s brisk 28 hinted at momentum before fading too soon. McDermott finished the tournament with 251 runs, second only to Shai Hope, and proved a solid addition to the Warriors’ lineup.
Pacers Deliver Early for TKR – Quinton Sampson, a breakout star of the tournament, was key to the Warriors’ revival, but Russell removed him with a sharp short ball and a fine diving catch by Pollard. Netravalkar, who replaced the injured Mohammad Amir, dismissed McDermott. The USA international finished with six wickets in four games for TKR.
Spin Strangles Warriors – TKR’s spin trio suffocated the hosts, disrupting any rhythm. Hosein bowled the dangerous Hope for 12 and removed Hetmyer for 4. Tariq, TKR’s leading bowler of the tournament, claimed his 20th wicket by bowling Moeen Ali (10). Narine didn’t take a wicket but conceded just 30 runs and bowled a maiden over.
Middle-Order Collapse – The Warriors crumbled after reaching 41/2, leaving their bowlers too little to defend. The spinners ripped through the middle order, taking 3 for 24, setting up Netravalkar to dismiss Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Dwaine Pretorius just as they looked dangerous.
Pollard’s Power and Drama – At 54/3 with Nicholas Pooran gone for 1, the Warriors sensed an opening. But Pollard swung the momentum with his trademark sixes in a titanic duel with Tahir. Even after the spinner’s double strike, TKR’s former captain had steadied the chase.
Tahir’s Tournament – Imran Tahir (3/34) capped a superb campaign as leading wicket-taker, though it ended in heartbreak. The Knight Riders were cruising at 114/4 before Tahir struck twice in two balls, removing Pollard with a googly and then Russell first ball. Shamar Joseph added pressure with another wicket in the next over, but Hosein stood firm.
Hosein the Hero – Akeal Hosein shone with both bat and ball, sealing victory under pressure to earn Player of the Match. He entered after Alex Hales’ dismissal and immediately launched a six off Motie, then pulled the next ball for four. His 2/26 included the key wickets of Hope and Hetmyer.
Another Final, Another Missed Chance – The Warriors’ wait for a second CPL crown continues, despite another spirited campaign. They reached three straight finals, losing the last two to the Kings and Knight Riders. This was their ninth CPL final appearance—now with a record of 1–8.
TKR’s Record Fifth Title – The Knight Riders etched their name deeper into CPL history, lifting a fifth crown and reaffirming their dominance. They had previously won three titles in four years (2017–2020), but only reached one final in the next four seasons (losing to the Warriors). Their fifth title fittingly came during Republic Day week, just days after Keshorn Walcott (gold) and Jereem Richards (silver) medalled at the World Athletics Championships.
Awards
- Winners – Trinbago Knight Riders
- Breakout Player of the Tournament – Quinton Sampson
- Highest Wicket-Taker – Imran Tahir
- Biggest Six of the Tournament – Rovman Powell
- El Dorado Celebration Award – Gudakesh Motie
- Highest Run Scorer – Shai Hope
- Most Accurate Umpire – Deighton Butler
Verdict
The 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League delivered all the hallmarks of Caribbean cricket—flair, unpredictability, and fierce rivalries—culminating in a finale worthy of the occasion. From record-breaking performances and emerging local talents to the roar of full stadiums across the region, the tournament reaffirmed its status as the biggest party in sport. And while the Guyana Amazon Warriors once again saw their dream slip away, the Trinbago Knight Riders stood tallest, sealing a record fifth crown.
As the dust settles on another thrilling campaign, the CPL has not only entertained but also showcased the depth and passion of West Indies cricket—leaving fans already hungry for 2026.
