Jamaica Kingsmen continued their CPL 2026 resurgence with a commanding 51 run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Kingston, moving from the foot of the standings into second position.
Asked to bat first, the hosts endured a disastrous opening when Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed Kirk McKenzie and Keacy Carty without scoring in the first over. Reeza Hendricks and Usman Khan briefly stabilised the innings, but Wanindu Hasaranga removed both to reduce Jamaica to 54 for 4.
Rovman Powell and Keemo Paul then transformed the contest with a crucial 99 run partnership. Paul attacked from the outset and accelerated dramatically during the closing stages, reaching fifty from 30 deliveries. He eventually departed for 65 from 36 balls after striking a series of powerful boundaries.
Powell also contributed valuable late runs before Andre Russell added an unbeaten 14 from seven balls, helping Kingsmen post a competitive 181.
The Patriots never established control of their chase. Hassan Khan removed Andre Fletcher early, while Hunain Shah accounted for Johnson Charles. Paul then produced an excellent delivery to dismiss Kyle Mayers, leaving the visitors struggling at 31 for 3.
Their position worsened when Nikhil Chaudhary fell lbw to Vitel Lawes and Dasun Shanaka was run out following a mix up with Kevin Wickham.
Wickham attempted to rebuild alongside Navin Bidaisee, but the required scoring rate continued to rise. Jason Holder was dismissed after only four deliveries, while Russell later removed Wickham to effectively end the contest.
Paul completed a superb individual performance by claiming the final two wickets. He finished with 3 for 30 to complement his 65, as the Patriots were bowled out for 130 in 18 overs.
The result gave Jamaica their second consecutive victory after opening the tournament with three defeats.
