Sunil Narine stars with bat and ball as Knight Riders chase 128 with 31 balls to spare

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — August 29, 2026 — The Trinbago Knight Riders returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, defeating the Barbados Tridents by seven wickets with 31 balls remaining in Match 19 of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Playing at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Friday, August 28, the Knight Riders produced a disciplined bowling performance before making light work of their 128-run target. Trinbago finished on 128/3 in 14.5 overs after restricting Barbados to 127/9 from their 20 overs.

Narine Leads the Charge

Sunil Narine was the standout performer, delivering a superb all-round display to earn Player of the Match honours.

Narine first claimed 2 wickets for 14 runs from his four overs as the Knight Riders’ spin-heavy attack kept the Tridents under sustained pressure.

He then produced a brilliant batting performance, smashing 55 from 33 deliveries, including six sixes, to put Trinbago firmly in control of the chase. It was Narine’s first CPL half-century in more than two years.

Narine shared a dominant opening partnership with Colin Munro, who contributed a quick-fire 37 from 26 balls. The pair put on 96 runs before Munro was dismissed.

Nicholas Pooran added 12 from 10 balls before Kieron Pollard, unbeaten on 12, and Jyd Goolie, unbeaten on 6, calmly completed the victory.

Tridents Struggle Against Knight Riders’ Spin

After being sent in to bat, Barbados struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Knight Riders bowling attack.

Zachary Carter top-scored for the Tridents with 28 from 27 balls, while captain Chris Green struck 27 from 17 deliveries. Rivaldo Clarke provided a late boost with an unbeaten 15 from seven balls, but Barbados could only manage 127/9.

The Knight Riders relied heavily on spin and successfully restricted the Tridents throughout the innings, setting up a comfortable chase.

Narine: “It’s a God-given talent”

Speaking after the match, Narine reflected on his performance and his approach to the game.

“It’s a God-given talent I have, and I’m just trying to utilise it as much as possible.”

Knight Riders captain Nicholas Pooran also praised the team’s home support, saying the players appreciate the fans and want to give them something to celebrate.

Barbados Tridents captain Chris Green acknowledged that his team struggled to post a competitive total on a difficult pitch, while also praising the quality of the Knight Riders’ spin attack.

Knight Riders Move Back Into Winning Column

The victory is particularly important for Trinbago after a run of three consecutive defeats. The Knight Riders now have four points from five matches, with two victories, and have moved into fifth place in the CPL standings.

For Barbados, the defeat leaves the Tridents with four points from four matches.

The Knight Riders will be back in action on August 29, when they face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in Match 20 of the competition.

Match Summary

Barbados Tridents: 127/9 (20 overs)
Trinbago Knight Riders: 128/3 (14.5 overs)
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Sunil Narine — 55 runs & 2 wickets
Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain
Date: August 28, 2026