Walking to the crease at number eight with the Warriors struggling at 71 for 6 in the 13th over and needing 74 runs from 46 balls to reach their challenging target of 145, Nation unleashed a stunning counterattack. The 39-year-old smashed four sixes in a sensational unbeaten cameo of 39 from just 21 balls, turning the match on its head. Captain Chloe Tryon joined Nation at the crease with the Warriors still 74 runs away from victory, and together they swung the momentum decisively back in favour of the eventual champions. The pair blasted 40 from just 23 balls before Tryon was bowled by Laura Harris for 32 in the 17th over. When Sheneta Grimmond fell for 10 in the 19th over, the Knight Riders were back in contention, with the Warriors still needing 16 runs from nine balls. But Nation refused to buckle. Taking on seamer Shikha Pandey and off-spinner Karishma Ramharack, she kept her composure to bring the Warriors home with three balls to spare, finishing on 149 for 8 and sparking wild celebrations. It was Nation’s first opportunity with the bat in only her second appearance of the season, and she made it count when it mattered most. The Warriors’ chase had appeared to be slipping away after their top order wobbled. In-form batters Tazmin Brits, who made 22, and Shemaine Campbelle, who scored 9, were among the first five batters dismissed before the 10 over mark, handing the momentum to the Knight Riders. The spirited TKR bowling attack was led by captain Deandra Dottin, Ramharack and Pandey, who claimed two wickets apiece. Earlier, Dottin won the toss and opted to bat under sunny conditions. Debutant Sushma Verma top-scored with 39, anchoring the Knight Riders’ top and middle order, before Marizanne Kapp and Pandey provided a late surge to lift TKR to 145 for 6. Warriors seamer Shabnim Ismail finished with two wickets, while Shamilia Connell delivered an economical four-over spell, claiming 1 for 18. The triumph marked the third time the Warriors had reached the WCPL final, following appearances in 2023 and 2025, but this time they finally completed the journey to the title.
