Patriots Complete Fourth-Highest CPL Chase Against Tridents

Johnson Charles’ 78, a sensational catch from Navin Bidaisee and a late flourish from Andre Fletcher and Wanindu Hasaranga headline a six-wicket victory at Warner Park

A Rocky Start, Then a Fightback

The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots won the toss and elected to bowl, but Barbados Tridents immediately put pressure on the home side.

The Patriots’ fielding was initially untidy, allowing the Tridents to build momentum. Quinton de Kock was particularly destructive, racing to a stunning 106 from just 57 balls as Barbados appeared set for an even bigger total.

But the Patriots refused to let the innings run away from them.

Naseem Shah provided the breakthrough, and it came with one of the moments of the match. De Kock sliced a full toss towards the deep, only for Navin Bidaisee to produce a breathtaking full-stretch diving catch. The spectacular effort, quickly dubbed “Air Bidaisee”, ended a brilliant hundred and gave the Patriots a crucial opening.

Naseem struck again soon after, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Jason Holder also contributed with key wickets. Despite the fightback, Barbados finished with a formidable 217 for 4, leaving the Patriots needing 218 for victory.

Charles and the Controversy

The chase began with urgency, but it soon produced one of the biggest talking points of the match.

Johnson Charles, already on 26, was caught in the deep off a high full toss from Ramon Simmonds. He was initially given out and had begun walking off the field before the delivery was reviewed.

The third umpire subsequently ruled the delivery a no-ball and Charles was recalled to the crease. The unusual sequence sparked plenty of debate, with both captains later expressing frustration with how the decision was handled.

Charles responded in the best possible way for the Patriots, he smashed the resulting free hit for six.

Charles Leads the Charge

From there, Charles turned the controversy into momentum.

The opener produced a superb 78 from 45 balls, striking six fours and seven sixes. Alongside Kyle Mayers, who made 29, he ensured the Patriots stayed within touching distance of the demanding target.

Mayers was eventually run out after a straight drive from Charles was deflected onto the stumps, while Charles himself departed at 132.

But the Patriots had built enough of a platform.

Shanaka, Holder and the Finishers

Dasun Shanaka continued the momentum with 36 from 22 balls, while Jason Holder added 18 from 11, keeping the chase alive as the required rate climbed.

Then came the decisive finish.

Andre Fletcher smashed 22 not out from eight balls, including three sixes, while Wanindu Hasaranga produced an extraordinary 18 not out from just four deliveries.

Their late assault took the Patriots from 185 for 4 to 220 for 4, completing the chase in 19.1 overs.

A Chase to Remember

The Patriots successfully chased 218 to register the fourth-highest successful run chase in CPL history.

It was a victory built on resilience: recovering from an uncertain start in the field, producing crucial breakthroughs, surviving a controversial moment involving Charles, and then chasing down a massive target with five balls remaining.

For the Patriots, it was more than just a batting performance. It was a complete fightback, and one that delivered a much-needed six-wicket victory in front of their home crowd.