Trinbago Knight Riders Secure Fifth CPL Title With Victory Over Guyana Amazon Warriors

The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) added another chapter to their record of success in the Caribbean Premier League, defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors by three wickets in the 2025 final at Providence Stadium on Sunday. The result gave Trinbago their fifth CPL crown, strengthening their status as the league’s most accomplished franchise.

Guyana, backed by a strong home crowd, chose to bat first after winning the toss but were restricted to 130 for 8 in their 20 overs. The innings lacked fluency, with only Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Ben McDermott (28) producing significant contributions. Despite a promising start, the Warriors were slowed by disciplined bowling from Trinbago, led by Saurabh Netravalkar, who claimed three wickets for 25 runs. The Trinidadian side used tight lines and sharp fielding to limit boundaries, preventing Guyana from building sustained partnerships.

In response, TKR’s chase was steady but never entirely comfortable. Opener Alex Hales top-scored with 26, and middle-order contributions from Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard kept the scoreboard moving. As wickets fell at regular intervals, the match tightened, leaving the outcome in doubt heading into the closing overs.

The decisive moment came from Akeal Hosein, who entered late in the innings and played a measured cameo under pressure. His unbeaten 16 from just seven deliveries, highlighted by a towering six and a boundary, sealed the victory with 12 balls to spare. Hosein’s calm finish ensured that Trinbago crossed the line at 133 for 7, silencing a vocal home crowd at Providence.

For the Warriors, captain Imran Tahir delivered a spirited bowling performance, taking 3 for 34, including key wickets that threatened to tilt the contest. Despite his efforts, Guyana could not defend their modest total. The loss continued a frustrating trend for the Amazon Warriors, who remain without a CPL title despite reaching multiple finals since the league’s inception in 2013.

For Trinbago, the triumph adds to previous championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020. Their ability to deliver in high-pressure matches once again highlighted the depth and balance of the squad, combining experienced internationals with local talent.

The 2025 final also underscored the evolving role of all-rounders and specialist bowlers in T20 cricket, as performances from Hosein and Netravalkar proved just as crucial as those from the big-name batters. The victory offers momentum for Trinbago heading into future tournaments, while Guyana will need to regroup as they continue their pursuit of a first title.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Sportstar (The Hindu), Newsday (Trinidad and Tobago), Trinidad Express.