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In the 20th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 on September 3 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, the Trinbago Knight Riders hosted the Saint Lucia Kings in a highly anticipated encounter. The game turned out to be a dominant performance from the Kings, led by the magical bowling of Tabraiz Shamsi. The host side, despite their strong form coming into the game, struggled with the bat and were restricted to a modest total of 109 runs. The Kings executed a clinical chase to secure a commanding seven-wicket victory with 53 balls remaining, firmly stamping their playoff credentials in the tournament.
Tabraiz Shamsi’s brilliant wrong-un sends Akeal Hosein packing
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly South African left-arm wrist spinner Shamsi’s spectacular delivery that cleaned up Trinbago’s Akeal Hosein for a golden duck. On just his second over, Shamsi bowled a flighted, fuller-length wrong-un that deceived Hosein, who played for a regular delivery. The ball spun sharply and forced its way between bat and pad to shatter the stumps. Shamsi’s wicket celebration was as theatrical as his bowling — he pulled out a colourful handkerchief and performed a magic trick, much to the delight of the crowd.
This wicket was the first of three key clean bowled dismissals for Shamsi, as he dismantled Trinbago’s middle order by also bowling Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell with similar guileful deliveries. His final bowling figures read an impressive 4 overs, 3 wickets for just 12 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award for his match-defining impact. The Knights Riders were reeling at 41 for 4 soon after this spell, unable to build momentum against Shamsi’s brilliance.
Here’s the video:
Tabraiz Shamsi is a magician 🪄
A magical delivery by Shamsi has TKR 4 down ✨#CPL25 #TKRvSLK #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #GuardianGroup pic.twitter.com/7KEqbVvWrB
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 3, 2025
Saint Lucia Kings’ dominating chase against Trinbago Knight Riders
Chasing a low total of 110, the Saint Lucia Kings executed a flawless chase, powered by aggressive, yet calculated batting performances. Tim Seifert led the charge with a blistering 36 runs off just 19 balls, smashing 6 fours and a six to set a solid foundation. Johnson Charles, Ackeem Auguste, and Roston Chase added quick runs, with Auguste scoring 28 off 18 deliveries and Chase finishing unbeaten on 27. The Kings’ batters punished the Trinbago bowlers, maintaining a high scoring rate, reaching 112 for 3 in 11.1 overs at a striking rate of over 10 runs per over, demonstrating their dominance. The Kings’ victory was not only comprehensive but also emphatic, ending Trinbago’s five-match winning streak and confirming their own place in the playoffs.
Bowling performances from Usman Tariq and Sunil Narine could not stem the tide, while Trinbago’s batsmen, including Nicholas Pooran’s 30 off 27 balls, failed to build partnerships under pressure. The Kings’ all-round clinical approach and Shamsi’s magical spin masterclass ensured a one-sided contest in the end, leaving a clear message to their CPL rivals about their championship ambitions in the season.
Also WATCH: Shai Hope gets out hit-wicket as Trinbago Knight Riders outclass Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2025 clash
