MCKENZIE FIRES KINGSMEN TO VICTORY OVER KNIGHT RIDERS
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Jamaica Kingsmen recorded their first win of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026, beating the Trinbago Knight Riders by five wickets in their fourth match of the tournament.
Kirk McKenzie set the tone with a destructive 69 from just 25 balls, powering the Kingsmen’s chase after the Knight Riders posted 182 for 6, with their star-studded top order all making valuable contributions.
With Kieron Pollard and Usman Tariq back in action, the Knight Riders appeared well placed. Pollard smashed 44 from 22 balls, while Tariq returned impressive figures of 3 for 21. But McKenzie’s explosive innings ultimately proved to be the difference.
Sent in to bat in Kingston, the Trinidad and Tobago-based franchise made a cautious start. Colin Munro and Alex Hales struggled to find their rhythm, while Hassan Khan kept things tight with the ball and Andre Russell removed Munro inside the Power Play to leave the Kingsmen firmly in control.
Captain Nicholas Pooran, also in his first game of the season, produced a well-made 44, including four sixes while adding 67 runs with Pollard for the third wicket. His timely dismissal just before the death overs proved crucial, however, as it kept the Knight Riders from pushing towards a total of 220 or more.
Late wickets slowed the Knight Riders’ momentum, although Jyd Goolie and Sunil Narine added some much-needed impetus with boundary-filled cameos to lift their side to a competitive 182 for 6.
The Kingsmen, in contrast, came out firing.
McKenzie did the bulk of the damage during a blistering Power Play that yielded 82 without loss, putting the home side firmly ahead of the required rate. Reeza Hendricks continued his steady run of form to provide valuable support, before Rovman Powell and Andre Russell used their local knowledge of Sabina Park to put the finishing touches on the chase.
The pair combined for an important 48-run partnership after Usman Tariq briefly threatened to swing the momentum back towards the Knight Riders. Their stand steadied the innings and kept the Kingsmen firmly on course.
Any hopes of a late comeback were effectively ended when seamers Terrence Hinds and Nathan Edward conceded 17 and 28 runs respectively in the 16th and 17th overs.
The Kingsmen reached their target with eight deliveries to spare, completing the highest successful run chase at Sabina Park in CPL history.
The inspired Kingsmen return to Sabina Park on Tuesday night for their final home match against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, while the Knight Riders travel to St Lucia for their next fixture against the Kings on Saturday.
Photos from the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League are available through Smartframe for streaming. You can get access to streamed photos by clicking here.
Interviews and press conferences from the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League can be accesses by clicking here.
