In an explosive encounter at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, Nicholas Pooran powered Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SNP), completing a record run chase of 193. Pooran’s unbeaten 93 off just 37 balls overshadowed a brilliant knock by Andre Fletcher, as the Patriots suffered their ninth consecutive defeat in the tournament.
Fletcher and Mayers Set a Big Target
Opting to field first on a pitch offering good batting conditions, TKR’s decision seemed questionable early on as the SNP batsmen posted a daunting total of 193/4. The Patriots’ innings was anchored by opener Andre Fletcher, who played a scintillating knock of 93 from 61 deliveries, and Kyle Mayers, who blasted 60 off just 30 balls at a strike rate of 200.
Though the innings started poorly with opener Evin Lewis falling for just 2 in the very first over, Mayers wasted no time taking charge. He smashed 12 runs off Akeal Hosein’s first over and continued the onslaught by hitting three consecutive boundaries off Jayden Seales and Andre Russell in the powerplay.
Mayers and Fletcher shared a 99-run partnership, and Mayers in particular punished Dwayne Bravo with a series of boundaries in a 19-run over, helping the Patriots reach 63/1 at the end of the powerplay. After Mayers was dismissed by Chris Jordan for 60, Rilee Rossouw chipped in with a brisk 20 off 11 balls before being removed by Seales. Fletcher, meanwhile, shifted into top gear, adding valuable runs towards the end of the innings. Despite a late push from SNP, TKR’s bowlers managed to keep the total within reach, with Jordan finishing as the pick of the bowlers with 2/29.
Pooran and Roy Power TKR’s Chase
Chasing a mammoth 193, TKR started cautiously with Jason Roy and Keacy Carty building a steady 43-run partnership. Roy then began to accelerate, racing to a 26-ball fifty as he unleashed a series of powerful shots. When Carty fell for 13, Pooran entered the crease and immediately set the tone by hitting 12 runs off his first five balls, guiding TKR to 55/1 at the end of the powerplay.
As Roy continued his blistering assault, bringing up a quickfire 64 from 34 balls, Pooran found his rhythm as well. The duo took the attack to SNP’s bowlers, keeping the run rate under control. However, Roy’s dismissal—caught behind off Tabraiz Shamsi—briefly slowed TKR’s momentum.
Despite the setback, Pooran stood firm, reaching his half-century in just 32 balls. With TKR needing 48 runs from the final four overs, Pooran took charge, smashing Jeremiah Louis for three sixes in the 17th over to swing the match decisively in TKR’s favor. He then targeted Anrich Nortje, hammering him for 18 runs in his final over, leaving TKR on the brink of victory.
Pooran fittingly sealed the game with a massive six, his seventh of the innings, finishing unbeaten on 93 off 37 balls. His knock, which included four fours and seven towering sixes, ensured that TKR chased down the target with nine balls to spare, finishing on 197/3.
Brief Scores:
- St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 193/4 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 93, Kyle Mayers 60; Chris Jordan 2-29)
- Trinbago Knight Riders: 197/3 in 18.3 overs (Nicholas Pooran 93*, Jason Roy 64; Kyle Mayers 1-26)
This record-breaking chase handed TKR a seven-wicket victory, consolidating their position in the CPL 2024 standings, while SNP remained winless, facing their ninth defeat in a row.
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