Holder Masterminds Patriots’ 12-Run Victory Over Royals

In a thrilling contest at Warner Park Stadium, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots secured a 12-run victory over the Barbados Royals in Game 8 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. Chasing a target of 175, the Royals came close but ultimately fell short, ending their innings at 162. The victory lifted the Patriots to second position on the table, though they have played more matches than some of their rivals.

Key Match Highlights:

• Jason Holder’s Player of the Match Performance: 38 runs off 21 balls and 4/14 with the ball.
• Kyle Mayers: 42 runs for the Patriots.
• Ramon Simmonds: 3/26 from four overs for the Royals.
• Royals’ Chase: Fell short by 12 runs, ending at 162 all out.

After losing the toss, Patriots captain Jason Holder watched his team post a competitive 174/8 from their 20 overs. The innings was largely shaped by an aggressive 38 off 21 balls from Holder himself, while Kyle Mayers contributed 42 runs at the top. Despite a strong bowling performance from Ramon Simmonds, who claimed 3/26 from his four overs, including 11 dot balls, the Royals struggled to contain the Patriots’ batting onslaught.

In reply, the Barbados Royals were off to a solid start, reaching 92/3 after the first ten overs, and were in touch with the required run rate. However, the Patriots’ bowlers, led by Holder’s brilliant 4/14, turned the game in their favor. Holder claimed key wickets, including that of Jomel Warrican, who was dismissed lbw with the second ball of the 19th over. The Royals’ chase faltered from there, as they failed to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals. Holder’s second spell, which included consecutive wickets, dashed the Royals’ hopes and saw them finish their chase at 162 all out.

This win not only secured the Patriots’ second victory of the season but also marked a significant milestone for their bowling attack, which has now successfully bowled out opposition teams twice in the tournament—something they struggled to do in previous seasons. Holder’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match honors, and the win will serve as a confidence booster for the Patriots as they look to build momentum in the competition.

For the Barbados Royals, the defeat marked their second consecutive loss, leaving them with plenty of work to do. Despite showing resilience with the bat, the Royals failed to capitalize on their good starts, and their inability to build partnerships was ultimately their downfall. Captain Rovman Powell will have to address the issues in the coming days as the team seeks their first win of the season.

The Patriots, now sitting comfortably in second place, have played five matches, securing two wins, and will be hoping to push further up the standings as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, the Royals remain at the bottom, with zero wins from their first two matches, and will need to regroup before their next outing in the competition.