Jamaica Kingsmen (JK) produced a thrilling performance against Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in CPL 2026, securing their first victory of the season. While Andre Russell and Rovman Powell provided the finishing touches in the chase, it was Kirk McKenzie who stole the spotlight with a blistering knock at the top of the order.
The Jamaican batter took the attack to the TKR bowlers from the outset, smashing six fours and six sixes during his remarkable 25-ball stay at the crease. However, his stunning innings eventually came to an end when Usman Tariq produced a crucial delivery to shatter his stumps.
Usman Tariq shatters stumps to dismiss Kirk McKenzie
The big breakthrough came on the seventh ball of the second innings when Usman got rid of the dangerous McKenzie. The spinner bowled the delivery slightly fuller, tempting the batter into attempting a slog sweep. McKenzie went for the big shot but failed to make contact as the ball crashed into the stumps, sending his off-stump flying.
Tariq immediately celebrated with his trademark El Dorado celebration after ending a remarkable innings from the Jamaica Kingsmen opener. McKenzie departed after scoring 69 runs from just 25 deliveries, having smashed six fours and six sixes in an explosive knock that had put Jamaica Kingsmen firmly in control of the chase.
Here’s the video:
Tariq, the Tormentor! 💥
Usman Tariq is trying to spoil a Jamaican party, wicket by wicket! 🇯🇲 x 🇹🇹 #CPL26 #JKvTKR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Carib pic.twitter.com/Wnl8HM5IYn
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 16, 2026
Jamaica Kingsmen chase down 183 to secure first CPL 2026 win
Trinbago Knight Riders posted 182/6 after being asked to bat first, with Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran leading their recovery after a slow start. TKR managed only 69 runs during the opening 10 overs before Pollard shifted gears in spectacular fashion. The veteran all-rounder smashed Vitel Lawes for a sequence of four, six, six and six in the 13th over before Pooran joined the assault in the following over. The pair added 67 runs for the third wicket, while Sunil Narine provided a late boost with an unbeaten 19 off just eight balls.
Pollard and Pooran both scored 44, while Hunain Shah picked up two wickets for Jamaica Kingsmen. In reply, McKenzie gave Jamaica Kingsmen a flying start with his extraordinary 69 off 25 balls. However, TKR’s spinners fought back and restricted the Kingsmen to just 36 runs while taking three wickets across an eight-over period.
With Jamaica needing 54 runs from the final 30 balls, Russell and Powell launched a decisive counterattack. The pair smashed 45 runs in just two overs, including five fours and three sixes, to put the chase firmly back in the visitors’ favour. Russell eventually fell for 27 off 15 deliveries, but Powell remained unbeaten on 29 from 22 balls to guide Jamaica Kingsmen to 183/5 with eight balls remaining and secure their first win of CPL 2026.
