183/5 (18.4)
CR : 9.80
182/6 (20.0)
CR : 9.10
Jamaica Kingsmen won by 5 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Kirk McKenzie
69(25)
Highest Partnerships for Any Wicket for Jamaica Kingsmen in CPL:
93 – Reeza Hendricks & Kirk McKenzie vs Trinbago Knight Riders, Kingston, 2026 (1st Wicket), Tonight*
72 – Keacy Carty & Andre Russell vs Barbados Tridents, Kingston, 2026 (6th Wicket)
69 – Vitel Orlando Lawes & Andre Russell vs Barbados Tridents, Kingston, 2026 (8th Wicket)
93 – Reeza Hendricks & Kirk McKenzie vs Trinbago Knight Riders, Kingston, 2026 (1st Wicket), Tonight*
72 – Keacy Carty & Andre Russell vs Barbados Tridents, Kingston, 2026 (6th Wicket)
69 – Vitel Orlando Lawes & Andre Russell vs Barbados Tridents, Kingston, 2026 (8th Wicket)
Highest Chases versus Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL:
225/6 (T-224) by Jamaica Tallawahs, Port of Spain, 2018
192/3 (T-192) by Jamaica Tallawahs, Port of Spain, 2016
183/5 (T-183) by Jamaica Kingsmen, Kingston, 2026 (Tonight)*
225/6 (T-224) by Jamaica Tallawahs, Port of Spain, 2018
192/3 (T-192) by Jamaica Tallawahs, Port of Spain, 2016
183/5 (T-183) by Jamaica Kingsmen, Kingston, 2026 (Tonight)*
Player of the Match: Kirk McKenzie
Kirk McKenzie (POTM): "[On his knock] Firstly I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to perform. It means more for the team than it means for me. We lost 2 close games, so it is good to get on the board now.
[On his batting approach] I actually came to know when I came to the ground. The skipper told me I'll bat up the order. It was just match ups for me. Akeal's ball turns into me so yeah it was all about match ups.
[Messaging in the team] The theme for today coming into the game was to be fearless. Our backs were against the wall. Nothing to lose. We wanted to give the home crowd something to smile about. We are very dangerous because you don't know what we can come with.
[What did the captain and coach tell him] Just be free. Don't hold back and just be fearless.
[On the confidence from what could be a career-defining innings] A lot of confidence. I have done a lot of work behind the scenes. I am really grateful."
[On his batting approach] I actually came to know when I came to the ground. The skipper told me I'll bat up the order. It was just match ups for me. Akeal's ball turns into me so yeah it was all about match ups.
[Messaging in the team] The theme for today coming into the game was to be fearless. Our backs were against the wall. Nothing to lose. We wanted to give the home crowd something to smile about. We are very dangerous because you don't know what we can come with.
[What did the captain and coach tell him] Just be free. Don't hold back and just be fearless.
[On the confidence from what could be a career-defining innings] A lot of confidence. I have done a lot of work behind the scenes. I am really grateful."
Nicholas Pooran (Trinbago Knight Riders Captain): "[Where did the match slip?] It definitely slipped away at the end of the powerplay. They scored 80 odd and that is not acceptable. When we look at it, Kirk McKenzie played a really good innings. Wasn't expecting that. We need to be better in the powerplay.
[What can be done differently?] There are a lot of things we could look at and say we can do better. At the end of the day, we all have roles and responsibilities in our team. Some days we will do it well and some day we won't. We have to accept that because it is sport.
[On the senior players performing so well] TKR is built on senior plays taking responsibility for the team. This year we have a lot of younger players and they will have to take the opportunity. There is only so much the senior players can do. Really happy with the way the guys played and got that score. We felt we can defend that score. The bowlers are not going to have it easy or have it their way every single time. We took it to the 18th over and that is brilliant. There are a couple of things we have to chat about and comeback. Hopefully we tick the boxes and be better."
[What can be done differently?] There are a lot of things we could look at and say we can do better. At the end of the day, we all have roles and responsibilities in our team. Some days we will do it well and some day we won't. We have to accept that because it is sport.
[On the senior players performing so well] TKR is built on senior plays taking responsibility for the team. This year we have a lot of younger players and they will have to take the opportunity. There is only so much the senior players can do. Really happy with the way the guys played and got that score. We felt we can defend that score. The bowlers are not going to have it easy or have it their way every single time. We took it to the 18th over and that is brilliant. There are a couple of things we have to chat about and comeback. Hopefully we tick the boxes and be better."
Rovman Powell (Jamaica Kingsmen Captain): "[What does this win mean] It means everything. Three defeats left a bitter taste in our mouth. Credit to the boys for coming out with energy even though we were facing potentially the best team in CPL. Credit to the fans too, they really came out and supported us.
[Did you satisfy you that you played your best cricket against the best team] Definitely, I told you in the last interview that this is where captaincy and good coaching staff comes in. We sat yesterday and we had a good time. It wasn't centered about cricket, it was centered around us getting to know us getting to understand us each other and finding that love in the group. We know that once you start doing the little things better, you get over the line.
[What was the thinking in the dressing room at the half-way stage especially against their world-class spinners] We always know that their bowling is centered around the three world-class spinners. Always the thought is to limit their wicket count. If they can go at six runs per over but don't get two-three wickets especially in the middle, that wouldn't hurt us. Their weakness is their death bowling, so we looked to line-up our big hitters in that phase.
[Inspired move to get Kirk McKenzie at the top of the order, what was the thought process?] Credit has to be given to you (Samuel Badree). We had a conversation before the game and you explained to me that potentially we need that move. I am still learning as a captain. For someone who has the experience as you, just said something to me at the start of the game and that really opened my mind. I went to the coach and he was very open with it.
[Does this win change the trajectory of the side] Definitely. At the start of the day, I asked them what would a win feel like especially against such a strong Trinidadian side. It left a very good taste in our mouth and hopefully the fans will come out on Tuesday for the final home game and we will put on a show for them again."
[Did you satisfy you that you played your best cricket against the best team] Definitely, I told you in the last interview that this is where captaincy and good coaching staff comes in. We sat yesterday and we had a good time. It wasn't centered about cricket, it was centered around us getting to know us getting to understand us each other and finding that love in the group. We know that once you start doing the little things better, you get over the line.
[What was the thinking in the dressing room at the half-way stage especially against their world-class spinners] We always know that their bowling is centered around the three world-class spinners. Always the thought is to limit their wicket count. If they can go at six runs per over but don't get two-three wickets especially in the middle, that wouldn't hurt us. Their weakness is their death bowling, so we looked to line-up our big hitters in that phase.
[Inspired move to get Kirk McKenzie at the top of the order, what was the thought process?] Credit has to be given to you (Samuel Badree). We had a conversation before the game and you explained to me that potentially we need that move. I am still learning as a captain. For someone who has the experience as you, just said something to me at the start of the game and that really opened my mind. I went to the coach and he was very open with it.
[Does this win change the trajectory of the side] Definitely. At the start of the day, I asked them what would a win feel like especially against such a strong Trinidadian side. It left a very good taste in our mouth and hopefully the fans will come out on Tuesday for the final home game and we will put on a show for them again."
Andre Russell (Jamaica Kingsmen): "[How they came back after three losses] For sure, we had a chat. I know things they love to do. The wicket was the big side, small side. I told the ground-staff that this is not going to help against TKR. We have to use our home advantage. I told let's have an even ground. Against good bowlers like Sunil Narine, you need an even ground.
[About Kirk McKenzie] I see talent, I see someone who can go really far. The ball is in his court. When you get such a start, not many times you see a batter getting fifty in the Powerplay. He played a nothing shot but you dominate while you are young. I will have a chat with him. I know he is excited, home ground. He might be used to playing with 10 people in the ground but today you could tell, he was having fun.
[Dismissing Kieron Pollard] When you bowl to Pollard and those types of guys, even Carlos (Brathwaite) here you try to keep the ball away from them. As you can see, it was well set-up. Didn't look to keep the ball close to him. That wasn't a wide yorker but a wicket is a wicket.
[CPL being back to Jamaica] Man, CPL has so many talented players. With four overseas players, they are big starts for their countries as well. No game is easy in CPL. It makes the love of the game, fans want to be part of this. It is good for the youngsters. When cricket was stopped being played in Jamaica, it died out for a bit but I am happy it's back.
[Message to the fans] Just get your wickets, Sabina Park, you can't miss. When you hit a six or take a wicket, they lock their horns. It's like whistle in Chennai. In Jamaica, it's the horns which keeps us going.
[Bluffing Kieron Pollard for the wicket] I wanted to bowl around his legs and give a big celebration. Bluffing sometimes, you get wickets. I saw him stay still and went.
[His role in the team] I think I bring, composure and calmness. I believe we have a good team and I believe everyone in the dressing room. I will let everyone know that if we can beat one of the best teams in the competition. I believe more now that we can stifle the teams and then if Kirk and Reeza can give a start like they did today. Once we back ourselves, nothing can stop us.
[Message to Shayan Jahangir who dropped catches] Definitely, I will give him a pat on the shoulder and say buddy, chin up. I cool down very quickly. I don't want to go to bat thinking about the wrongs he has done. Definitely, we are going to spend hours and tell the fielding coach, we need to train from 7-12.
[Can we see him playing a few more years for the Kingsmen] As you can see, I have been working and keep mentoring the guys. I want to play my role as well. I am happy to be contributing, winning games and guiding the dressing. This sport has taught me so much. Tomorrow, Kirk could get our zero. So, I will need to ask the guys to start from zero again."
[About Kirk McKenzie] I see talent, I see someone who can go really far. The ball is in his court. When you get such a start, not many times you see a batter getting fifty in the Powerplay. He played a nothing shot but you dominate while you are young. I will have a chat with him. I know he is excited, home ground. He might be used to playing with 10 people in the ground but today you could tell, he was having fun.
[Dismissing Kieron Pollard] When you bowl to Pollard and those types of guys, even Carlos (Brathwaite) here you try to keep the ball away from them. As you can see, it was well set-up. Didn't look to keep the ball close to him. That wasn't a wide yorker but a wicket is a wicket.
[CPL being back to Jamaica] Man, CPL has so many talented players. With four overseas players, they are big starts for their countries as well. No game is easy in CPL. It makes the love of the game, fans want to be part of this. It is good for the youngsters. When cricket was stopped being played in Jamaica, it died out for a bit but I am happy it's back.
[Message to the fans] Just get your wickets, Sabina Park, you can't miss. When you hit a six or take a wicket, they lock their horns. It's like whistle in Chennai. In Jamaica, it's the horns which keeps us going.
[Bluffing Kieron Pollard for the wicket] I wanted to bowl around his legs and give a big celebration. Bluffing sometimes, you get wickets. I saw him stay still and went.
[His role in the team] I think I bring, composure and calmness. I believe we have a good team and I believe everyone in the dressing room. I will let everyone know that if we can beat one of the best teams in the competition. I believe more now that we can stifle the teams and then if Kirk and Reeza can give a start like they did today. Once we back ourselves, nothing can stop us.
[Message to Shayan Jahangir who dropped catches] Definitely, I will give him a pat on the shoulder and say buddy, chin up. I cool down very quickly. I don't want to go to bat thinking about the wrongs he has done. Definitely, we are going to spend hours and tell the fielding coach, we need to train from 7-12.
[Can we see him playing a few more years for the Kingsmen] As you can see, I have been working and keep mentoring the guys. I want to play my role as well. I am happy to be contributing, winning games and guiding the dressing. This sport has taught me so much. Tomorrow, Kirk could get our zero. So, I will need to ask the guys to start from zero again."
What a sensational win from the Jamaica Kingsmen as they upset the defending champions, Trinbago Knight Riders by five wickets. Kirk McKenzie possibly announced himself with his unbelievable 69 (25) as well which will have fans excited in days to come.
Do switch over to the coverage of the two Test matches being played currently. As far as the CPL is concerned, St Lucia Kings will take on Barbados Tridents at St Lucia tomorrow in what will be expected to be a high-scoring encounter.
For now, that is it from myself, Karthik Raj and my co-commentators, Manan and Pritam. A note of thanks to our scorer, Ashok Dayma as well.