Colin Munro Smashes Record Century on Trinbago Knight Riders Return
Munro’s Triumphant Comeback
Colin Munro, the South African-born former New Zealand international, made a memorable comeback to the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) with one of the most electrifying knocks in CPL history.
Returning to the franchise he had represented for seven years until 2022, Munro struck a thunderous 120 runs off just 57 balls, guiding TKR to victory in their opening clash of CPL 2025.
This was Munro’s first T20 century in four years and a statement innings that reminded the world of his power-hitting abilities.
Record-Breaking Knock
Munro’s innings was nothing short of spectacular. With 14 fours and 6 sixes, he single-handedly dismantled the Patriots’ bowling attack. His knock not only set the tone for the innings but also became the highest score ever by a TKR batter.
The Knight Riders posted a massive 231 for 5, their third-highest total in CPL history. Munro’s dominance was evident from ball one, as he timed the ball beautifully and found gaps effortlessly.
His celebration, a passionate bat toss and fists in the air, showed just how much the innings meant to him.
Support from Alex Hales
While Munro was the headline act, his opening partner Alex Hales played an equally important role at the start. Hales scored 47 runs from 27 deliveries, ensuring TKR had a flying start. The pair put on 77 runs in the powerplay and brought up the team’s 100 in just 47 balls.
This foundation allowed TKR’s middle order to attack freely and build a total that was always going to be difficult to chase.
Patriots Fight Hard
Chasing 232, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots began their innings positively. Kyle Mayers and Andre Fletcher stitched together an 80-run partnership inside eight overs, giving their side belief of chasing the mammoth target.
However, once the opening stand was broken, the Patriots lost momentum. The spinners played a decisive role, slowing down the scoring rate and picking crucial wickets. Despite some late fireworks, the Patriots eventually fell 12 runs short.
Usman Tariq and TKR Spinners Shine
The turning point came when Usman Tariq, a relatively new face in the TKR camp, delivered a spell of 4 for 33.
His clever variations and control left the batters unsettled. Alongside him, Akeal Hosein maintained pressure with figures of 1 for 25 in his four overs.
The effectiveness of the spinners broke the backbone of the Patriots’ middle order and ensured that TKR stayed ahead despite Holder’s late assault.
Jason Holder’s Resistance
Patriots’ captain Jason Holder refused to go down without a fight. He hammered 44 off just 22 balls, keeping the chase alive until the final over.
Unfortunately, wickets around him meant the task was always uphill.
The Patriots needed 43 runs in the last over, which was nearly impossible. Despite hitting a few sixes and capitalizing on extras, they could only manage 30 runs, falling short of the target.
Munro Named Player of the Match
Not surprisingly, Colin Munro was awarded the Player of the Match. Reflecting on his century, Munro shared his emotions:
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He credited his success to fitness work during the winter.
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He emphasized focusing on clean hitting and timing rather than premeditated shots.
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He dedicated his celebration partly to his family and partly as an outlet for frustration after being away from TKR for a few years.
Munro also mentioned that despite new faces in the team, the sense of brotherhood within the Trinidad squad made him feel at home again.
Captain’s Take
Patriots skipper Jason Holder praised Munro’s innings, admitting that his team failed to control the flow of runs at crucial stages. He highlighted positives, particularly the form of the openers and Rilee Rossouw, but acknowledged the need for improvement with the ball.
He emphasized staying positive and playing with intent, especially on batting-friendly surfaces like this one.
The Bigger Picture
For the Trinbago Knight Riders, this win was more than just two points. It was a statement of intent for the season ahead. Having struggled in recent editions, TKR will look to build momentum with experienced campaigners like Munro, Sunil Narine, and Kieron Pollard leading the charge.
For Munro personally, this century proved that even at 38 years of age, he still has the firepower to dominate world-class bowlers. His return to TKR seems like the perfect reunion, both for the player and the franchise.
Focus Point: Munro’s Legacy in T20 Leagues
The central focus of this match and the story around it is Colin Munro’s continued dominance in franchise cricket. Despite stepping away from the international stage, he remains one of the most destructive T20 batters.
His ability to adapt to conditions, build quick innings, and deliver match-winning knocks ensures he is still in demand across leagues worldwide.
This innings not only adds to his personal legacy but also strengthens his reputation as a game-changer in T20 cricket.
Final Thoughts
Colin Munro’s breathtaking century has reignited excitement in the CPL 2025. For TKR, it was the perfect start to their campaign, while for Munro, it was a reaffirmation of his value in the shortest format.
The Patriots showed promise but lacked the finishing edge. If they can tighten their bowling and capitalize on strong starts, they will remain contenders in the tournament.
For now, though, this night belonged entirely to Colin Munro—a man who proved once again why he is one of T20 cricket’s most feared strikers.