Holder’s Heroics Keep Patriots Alive, Royals Knocked Out

Jason Holder delivered one of the most dramatic all-round performances of CPL 2025, guiding the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to a nail-biting one-run victory over the Barbados Royals on Tuesday night. The result kept Patriots’ playoff dreams alive and officially ended the Royals’ campaign.

With the bat, Holder steadied the innings after an early wobble. Coming in at 62 for 4, he struck an unbeaten 53, combining with Navin Bidaisee (30 off 23) in a vital sixth-wicket stand worth 74 runs. Their late acceleration pushed the total to 150 for 7, a score that looked competitive but far from safe.

Patriots’ defence came down to the very last ball. Royals needed 14 off Holder’s final over and Rassie van der Dussen immediately cleared long-on for six, putting the pressure firmly back on the home side. The match swung ball by ball, until finally two runs were needed off the last delivery. Holder kept his nerve, producing a pinpoint yorker to trap Daniel Sams lbw and seal the win.

Earlier, Royals had looked well-placed in the chase, with Brandon King setting a brisk platform in the powerplay. But the middle overs stalled as Waqar Salamkheil, Naseem Shah and Bidaisee chipped away at the batting order. Van der Dussen’s 37 not out kept the Royals in with a chance, yet it wasn’t enough to prevent elimination.

The win leaves Patriots in fifth place on eight points, level with Guyana Amazon Warriors, who still have two games in hand. Should Guyana win either, they will secure the final playoff berth, with St Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons already through.

For now, Patriots can thank their captain. Holder’s fifty with the bat and two wickets with the ball, capped by that unforgettable last over, have given his side a fighting chance of staying alive in CPL 2025.