CAPTAIN Rovman Powell said “small margins” proved decisive as Jamaica Kingsmen suffered a two-wicket defeat against Barbados Tridents in their final preliminary match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Saturday.

The result means both teams have qualified for the play-offs and will meet again on Wednesday, September 16 in the Eliminator at the same venue.

Powell said qualification for the play-offs was the main target.

Maaz Sadaqat of Jamaica Kingsmen hits a six during the Men’s 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League cricket match versus Barbados Tridents at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday. (Photos: CPL T20)

“That was our first objective. We have three goals: first to qualify for the play-offs; then when play-off time comes, put our best foot forward to push into the finals; and once in the final, see what happens there,” he said in a post-match television interview.

Sent in to bat, the Kingsmen were restricted to 150-9 from their 20 overs. Maaz Sadaqat top-scored with 47 runs from 34 balls, smashing three fours and two sixes in his knock. He shared a 24-run opening stand with Kirk McKenzie and a 49-run second-wicket partnership with Usman Khan to leave Jamaica at 73-2 in 9.1 overs.

However, once Sadaqat departed at 83-3 in 11.4 overs the innings lost momentum. Jakeem Pollard led the bowling for the Tridents with three wickets for 38 runs from four overs, receiving support from Gudakesh Motie and Daniel Sams who claimed two wickets each.

Zachary Carter of Barbados Tridents misses a shot to be bowled by Hassan Khan (out of picture) of Jamaica Kingsmen as wicketkeeper Usman Khan looks on during the Men’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League cricket match on Saturday.

In reply, Barbados reached 151-8 off the final ball. Shadrack Descarte led the successful run chase with 56 runs from 42 balls but it was Motie who sealed victory. With 17 runs needed off the final over Motie, batting at number nine, struck a boundary, followed by two wides, and a six off Odeon Smith, before taking a quick single off the last delivery.

Hunain Shah was the most effective Kingsmen bowler with two wickets for 25 runs from his four overs.

Powell attributed the result to lapses in the field.

Captain Rovman Powell (left) and Keemo Paul of Jamaica Kingsmen celebrate the dismissal of Rivaldo Clarke (out of picture) of Barbados Tridents during the Men’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match.

“I think it’s a case of small margins. We kind of threw away the game, in a sense, as our fielding let us down. We misfielded a few balls on the outfield. We thought 150 was a good score on that surface at the halfway mark, so we were happy — but I think it was a valiant bowling effort, regardless,” he explained.

Powell, who had captained the Tridents franchise for three seasons, described Barbados as a second home.

“It’s always nice to play at Kensington. Barbados is like my second home. I’ve played a lot of cricket here and captained their franchise for three years, so I have very good memories. It’s good that cricket is back at Kensington, and hopefully my team can find some wins in the coming days,’ he stated.