Pooran and Narine Power Trinbago Knight Riders to 35-Run Victory

Nicholas Pooran’s explosive half-century and Sunil Narine’s devastating spell of spin helped Trinbago Knight Riders secure a convincing 35-run victory over Barbados Tridents in a low-scoring CPL 2026 clash in Bridgetown.

Batting first after being put in, Knight Riders posted 147 for 6, with Pooran producing the standout innings. The left-hander scored 59 off 37 balls, including a series of powerful sixes that transformed the visitors’ innings after a cautious start.

Pooran took 10 balls to get off the mark but quickly shifted gears. He opened his account with a whip over the leg side before smashing three consecutive sixes off Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the ninth over. He then repeated the feat against Gudakesh Motie in the 14th over, hitting three more sixes in succession.

Pooran was also given a crucial reprieve when Rivaldo Clarke dropped him at deep third while he was on 35 off 26 balls. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing with 59 from 37 deliveries.

Knight Riders scored 96 runs during Pooran’s stay at the crease, while only 51 runs came from the remaining 57 balls. Colin Munro also provided valuable support with 38, helping Trinbago reach a competitive 147 for 6.

For the Tridents, Motie was the leading wicket-taker with 3 for 29, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed 2 for 22.

The Barbados chase, however, never gained momentum. Narine produced a sensational opening spell, claiming three wickets during the powerplay and leaving the Tridents struggling at 35 for 4 at the end of six overs. Akeal Hosein added another wicket in the same phase, further tightening the Knight Riders’ grip on the match.

The Tridents struggled to find boundaries or build a meaningful partnership. Zachary Carter and Sherfane Rutherford were the joint top-scorers with just 21 runs each, highlighting the difficulty of the batting conditions.

Knight Riders' spinners maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Narine, Hosein, Usman Tariq and Jyd Goolie combined for eight wickets, conceding just 82 runs in 14.3 overs. Tariq was particularly economical, giving away only 25 runs in his four overs, while Goolie finished with 3 for 20.

Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara also made an important contribution, taking two wickets, including the key dismissal of Rutherford.

Narine eventually returned to complete the innings, taking the final wicket as Barbados Tridents were bowled out for 112 with nine deliveries still remaining.

Narine finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 12, earning the praise for a classic spin-bowling performance. Combined with Pooran’s match-defining 59, his spell ensured Trinbago Knight Riders comfortably defended their total and secured a 35-run victory.