(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Trinbago Knight Riders made history Sunday night, grabbing their fifth Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title with a heart-pounding three-wicket victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors in Providence. The low-scoring final kept fans on the edge of their seats as TKR chased down 131 runs.
Akeal Hosein earned Player of the Match honors with a stellar all-around show. He snagged 2 wickets for 26 runs with the ball, then smashed 16 not out off just seven balls to seal the win. Saurabh Netravalkar backed him up nicely, taking 3 for 25 to rattle the Warriors’ batting lineup.
Kieron Pollard stole the spotlight once again, adding a record 18th T20 title to his collection. The veteran all-rounder smashed 21 runs off 12 balls during the tense chase. Throughout the CPL 2023 season, Pollard dominated with the bat, racking up 383 runs in 11 innings at an average over 54 and a strike rate above 174, including three half-centuries. That performance landed him the Player of the Tournament award—his best batting season yet in the league.
In his post-match chat, Pollard got real about the journey. “It means a lot,” he said. “We’ve played in three countries this season, and the booing is getting old. I’ve represented the whole Caribbean and put us on the map in T20 cricket, but we don’t always get the appreciation. I’m not bitter—just sorry for the ones missing out. God gave me this chance to play for my country and family. I do it because I love the game. Being five-time champs, Player of the Tournament, and a winner at 38? That hits deep.”
Sunil Narine, another West Indies star on the TKR roster, stepped up with a crucial 22 runs off 17 balls. His steady knock helped steady the innings during the run chase.
For captain Nicholas Pooran, this win felt extra sweet. It marked his first CPL trophy as skipper, right back at the Guyana ground where he debuted in T20 cricket. Pooran led the batting charts for TKR with 426 runs in the tournament, getting solid support from Colin Munro’s 416 runs and Alex Hales’ 386.
Pooran opened up about the team’s grit. “It’s all about ditching the ego,” he said. “We lost the last five years, and people talked a lot. But every guy stepped up and proved them wrong. That’s cricket for us—this one means everything. I’ve waited 13 years for it.” He added, “They gave me the leadership role, so I took responsibility. It’s not about me; it’s about the team. I wasn’t backing down or letting another chance slip.”
Dwayne Bravo celebrated a milestone too, winning his first CPL title as head coach after grabbing the previous four as a player. “With stars like Pollard, Pooran, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell, you just keep the dressing room happy, lean on their experience, and trust them,” Bravo said. “That’s why I’m thrilled.”
Blending global talent with local flair, Trinbago Knight Riders cemented their spot as the CPL’s most dominant team. This fifth championship boosts their legacy and fires up pride across the Caribbean.
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