In a heart-stopping finish to the CPL 2025 match, Jason Holder showcased his brilliance, leading his team to a remarkable victory. The West Indies all-rounder, representing St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, changed the momentum of the game within the final over, taking two crucial wickets in the space of 16 balls to secure a thrilling one-run win against the Barbados Royals. Holder’s contribution was not limited to his bowling, as he also delivered a solid performance with the bat, contributing valuable runs to his team’s total. This was the fourth victory for the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the tournament.
The Barbados Royals, chasing a target of 151, needed 14 runs off the last over, with four wickets in hand. Rassie van der Dussen and Daniel Sams were at the crease, facing Holder. Van der Dussen started the over with a six, and then took a single to give the strike to Sams. The Royals needed seven runs from four balls. Holder then bowled a wide. Sams took two runs off the third ball, and one run each off the fourth and fifth balls. Needing two runs from the final ball, Holder dismissed Daniel Sams LBW, securing the win for his side. Earlier, St. Kitts experienced a tough start.
Batting first against the Barbados Royals, St. Kitts had a poor start, losing five wickets for only 74 runs. Jason Holder and N. Bidaisee then played a key role in stabilizing the innings. Holder and Bidaisee put together 74 runs for the sixth wicket. Holder made an unbeaten 53 from 30 balls, including one four and five sixes. Bidaisee added 30 runs from 23 balls, featuring two fours and one six. Mohammad Rizwan contributed 39 runs off 36 balls, with four boundaries and a six. St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots scored 150/7 in their 20 overs. Ethan Bosch took three wickets for Barbados Royals, while Daniel Sams and Chris Green each secured two wickets. In their chase, the Barbados Royals had a good start.
Quinton de Kock and Brendon King provided a strong opening partnership for the Barbados Royals, putting on 42 runs in 32 balls for the first wicket. However, the Royals’ innings faltered after the fall of Brendon King, with two more wickets falling in the following 18 balls. Rassie van der Dussen and Sherfane Rutherford fought hard, but their efforts were not enough to secure the win. Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 37 from 27 balls, with two fours and a six. Brendon King scored 29 off 22 balls, including one four and three sixes. Rutherford scored 25 off 20 balls, which included one four and two sixes. Captain Rovman Powell was dismissed for just 16 runs. Barbados Royals were restricted to 149/7 in their 20 overs, losing the match by a single run. Jason Holder, Waqar Salamkheil, and N. Bidaisee each took two wickets for St. Kitts. Naseem Shah claimed one wicket.