Usman Tariq shines as Knight Riders down Patriots in CPL clash

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq starred with the ball as Trinbago Knight Riders defeated St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 12 runs in the fourth match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 at Warner Park on Sunday.

After being asked to bat first, the Knight Riders posted a massive 231-5 in their 20 overs. Openers Colin Munro and Alex Hales gave their side a flying start with a 114-run stand. Hales scored 47 from 27 balls with four fours and three sixes, while Munro played a breathtaking innings of 120 off just 57 deliveries, hitting 14 boundaries and six sixes.

Captain Nicholas Pooran (13), Kieron Pollard (19), and Keacy Carty (16* off 8) added quick runs towards the end to push the total past 230. For the Patriots, Jason Holder (2-40), Dominic Drakes (1-44) and Waqar Salamkheil (2-47) were the only successful bowlers, while Naseem Shah and Fazalhaq Farooqi went wicketless.

In reply, the Patriots started strongly with Kyle Mayers (32) and Andre Fletcher (41) putting on 80 runs for the opening wicket. Rilee Rossouw (38) and Holder (44 off 22 balls) kept their side in the chase, but the momentum was broken by Usman Tariq’s superb spell.

The young spinner took 4-33 in his four overs, dismissing key batters including Mayers, Rossouw, Mikyle Louis, and Jyd Goolie. Despite a late charge from Holder, the Patriots fell short and managed 219-7 in their 20 overs.

Mohammad Amir went for 51 runs but claimed a wicket, while Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein also picked up one each for the Knight Riders.

With this win, Trinbago Knight Riders continued their strong start to CPL 2025, thanks largely to Munro’s explosive century and Tariq’s match-winning spell.