The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons claimed a thrilling six-run victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Thursday night, marking their first win of this year’s tournament.
In a high-stakes encounter at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, the Falcons broke their winless streak on their fifth attempt, securing two vital points to keep their campaign alive. Put into bat, the Falcons posted a competitive total of 176-6, with an impressive opening stand of 65 between Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves. Imad Wasim’s brisk 46 off 29 balls and Fabian Allen’s explosive 25 not out from just 11 deliveries injected late momentum into the innings.
Last year’s finalists Knight Riders’ chase faltered early when Sunil Narine, who had earlier impressed with the ball, was dismissed for a four-ball duck. Player of the match Allen delivered a match-turning tenth over, removing Shaqkere Parris lbw for 31 before dismissing Nicholas Pooran with a stunning return catch off the very next ball.
As the game headed into a nail-biting final over, the Knight Riders needed 14 runs to win. Despite a boundary off the first ball, fast-medium bowler Roshon Primus kept his cool for the Falcons. He bowled Terrance Hinds and, after a run out on the penultimate ball, denied Waqar Salamkheil the six required to tie the match.
“We were searching for that win and grateful we got it tonight [Thursday]. We defended well, and the crowd supported us right through,” Allen said in a post-match interview.
Captain Chris Green lauded his team’s resilience.
“We’ve had a tough time at home, but I’m really happy for the fans and my team. We showed what we can do, and nothing needs to change moving forward.”
With their tournament hopes revived, the Falcons will look to build on this momentum when they play St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on Saturday while the Knight Riders take on St Lucia Kings next Tuesday.
Summarised Scores:
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons: 176-6 in 20 overs (Imad Wasim 46, Fahkar Zaman 38; Sunil Narine 2-32, Waqar Salamkheil 2-27)
Trinbago Knight Riders: 170-9 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 39, Keacy Carty 34; Fabian Allen 3-23, Roshon Primus 2-40)
Result: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won by six runs.
