Extended Highlights | Barbados Royals vs Saint Lucia Kings | CPL 2025

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular, delivering cricket fans thrilling encounters filled with power-hitting, fiery bowling, and unforgettable moments. Among the most exciting clashes was the battle between the Barbados Royals and the Saint Lucia Kings, two teams with passionate supporters and strong lineups. Their meeting in the group stage turned into a cricketing spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final overs.

Here’s a detailed look at the extended highlights of this thrilling encounter.

Toss and Match Setup

The match was played at a packed stadium with fans filling the stands in carnival-style atmosphere. The pitch looked balanced – good for batting but offering assistance for bowlers who hit the right areas.

The Saint Lucia Kings’ captain won the toss and decided to field first, believing that chasing under lights would be easier. Barbados Royals’ captain, however, was confident in his side’s batting depth and promised a big score. Both teams were unchanged, sticking to their winning combinations.

Barbados Royals’ Innings – Aggressive Start

The Royals began their innings with flair. Their openers came out with intent, eager to capitalize on the powerplay.

The first three overs went for 30 runs, with boundaries flowing on both sides of the wicket.
The Royals’ star opener hit two sixes straight down the ground, electrifying the crowd.
However, the Kings’ bowlers struck back, with Alzarri Joseph producing extra bounce to dismiss the dangerous opener caught at point.

At the end of the powerplay, the Royals were 54/1, a solid platform for a big score.

Middle Overs – Spin Battle

After the powerplay, Saint Lucia Kings introduced their spinners to slow things down. Roston Chase and Khary Pierre bowled tight lines, making it difficult for the Royals to keep up their momentum.

The Royals’ batting revolved around their captain and one middle-order star who played smart cricket – nudging singles, waiting for loose deliveries. A crucial 72-run partnership built the innings, ensuring wickets were preserved.

The captain reached a well-paced half-century, mixing aggression with calm strokes.
The Kings, however, broke the partnership when Chase trapped the batsman LBW.

At the end of 15 overs, Barbados Royals were 124/3, looking for a strong finish.

Final Overs – Big Hitting Show

The last five overs saw fireworks. The Royals’ lower middle order, led by a power-hitter, launched a brutal assault on the Kings’ bowlers.

In the 17th over, three sixes were smashed, sending the crowd into frenzy.
Alzarri Joseph’s final over went for 18 runs, undoing his earlier good work.
The Royals scored 56 runs in the last five overs, finishing with an imposing total of 180/6 in 20 overs.

The captain top-scored with 62 runs, while the finisher hammered 34 off just 12 balls. Roston Chase was the pick of the bowlers for the Kings with 2/28.

Saint Lucia Kings’ Run Chase – Early Jitters

Chasing 181, the Kings needed a solid start. Their openers walked in confidently, but the Royals’ pacers struck early.

A sharp inswinger dismissed Johnson Charles in the very first over.
Another wicket fell in the third over as the ball seamed away, catching the edge.

At 20/2 inside 4 overs, the Kings were in trouble. The Royals’ bowlers were charged up, using the conditions perfectly.

Middle Order Recovery – Chase and Faf Calm the Storm

The experienced Roston Chase and the ever-reliable Faf du Plessis took charge of the chase. They played sensibly, rebuilding the innings without taking unnecessary risks.

Faf struck elegant boundaries through covers, reminding fans of his class.
Chase rotated the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Their partnership added 85 runs and brought the Kings back into the contest. By the 12th over, Saint Lucia Kings were 105/2, needing 76 off 48 balls – a manageable equation.

Royals’ Comeback – Key Wickets Fall

Just when the Kings seemed in control, the Royals struck.

Their leg-spinner removed Faf du Plessis for 48, breaking the crucial partnership.
In the very next over, Chase was caught on the boundary for 41 while attempting a big hit.

These back-to-back wickets tilted the game back in the Royals’ favor. The Kings suddenly found themselves at 115/4 in 14 overs, with the required run rate climbing.

Lower Order Fight – Russell Magic Almost Seals It

The Kings, however, had one more weapon: Andre Russell, known for his brutal power-hitting. He arrived with the game slipping away but instantly turned it around.

He smashed two massive sixes in the 16th over.
Followed it up with a 24-run over against the Royals’ medium pacer, including three sixes and a four.

With Russell in full flow, the equation came down to 25 runs off 12 balls, and the Kings suddenly looked favorites.

Final Overs Drama

The Royals’ captain took the brave call of giving the 19th over to his young pacer. It turned out to be a masterstroke.

The youngster bowled full and straight, conceding only 7 runs and dismissing Russell with a slower ball.
With Russell gone, the Kings’ hopes took a massive hit.

The final over began with Saint Lucia Kings needing 18 runs. Despite a couple of boundaries, the Royals’ experienced bowler held his nerve, conceding only 10 runs.

Match Result

The Barbados Royals won by 7 runs, defending 180 successfully. The crowd celebrated wildly as the Royals’ players hugged each other in joy. It was a match filled with ups and downs, momentum shifts, and breathtaking performances.

Key Performances

Barbados Royals:
- Captain – 62 runs off 45 balls.
- Finisher – 34 off 12 balls.
- Young pacer – 2/29 and a crucial 19th over.
Saint Lucia Kings:
- Faf du Plessis – 48 runs.
- Roston Chase – 41 runs and 2 wickets.
- Andre Russell – 44 off 17 balls.

Turning Points

Early wickets in the Kings’ chase that gave Royals the upper hand.
The 85-run stand between Faf and Chase that revived hopes.
The Royals’ young pacer’s brilliant 19th over that dismissed Russell.
Barbados Royals’ big hitting in the last five overs of their innings.

Conclusion

This clash between the Barbados Royals and the Saint Lucia Kings will be remembered as one of the most thrilling matches of CPL 2025. The Royals showed composure under pressure, while the Kings fought bravely till the very end.

Fans were treated to explosive batting, clever bowling, and dramatic swings of momentum. The Royals may have won the points, but both teams won the admiration of cricket lovers worldwide.

Final Score:

Barbados Royals – 180/6 (20 overs)
Saint Lucia Kings – 173/7 (20 overs)
Result: Barbados Royals won by 7 runs.