NORTH SOUND, Antigua — In a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons secured a dramatic seven-wicket victory over the Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots, crossing the line with just two balls to spare in Game 11 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The win, the Falcons’ third of the campaign, not only electrified their home supporters in their final match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium but also strengthened their position at the top of the table, where they hold a three-point lead. Still, the chasing Guyana Amazon Warriors, with four games in hand, remain within striking distance.
Disciplined bowling restricts Patriots
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Falcons delivered a disciplined bowling and fielding performance, highlighted by a stunning final over that featured three run-outs. That extraordinary display of athleticism strangled the Patriots’ innings, limiting them to a modest 133 for 9.
The charge was led by fast bowler Jayden Seales, who bowled with precision for figures of 1-20 from his four overs, and Pakistani seamer Salman Irshad, who also chipped in with 1-20.
But the spotlight belonged to Shakib Al Hasan, who produced a spell of brilliance that will live in cricketing history.
Shakib enters the record books
The celebrated Bangladeshi all-rounder became the first cricketer in history to achieve the extraordinary double of 7,000 runs and 500 wickets in T20 cricket.
His landmark 500th wicket came in fitting style — a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss the dangerous Mohammed Rizwan for 30. Shakib’s figures of 3 for 11 in just two overs epitomized his mastery, ensuring the Patriots never gained momentum.
Opener Evin Lewis offered the most resistance for the visitors with 32, an innings decorated with three sixes, though his retirement and return disrupted their rhythm.
Gore anchors the chase
Chasing 134, the Falcons faced stiff resistance from the Patriots’ bowling unit, which turned the low target into a tense affair.
It was Karima Gore, however, who rose to the occasion. The left-hander displayed poise under pressure, crafting a superb, unbeaten 52 off 47 deliveries — his third half-century of the tournament — with three boundaries and two sixes.
Useful contributions came from Jewel Andrew (28) and Shakib (25), but it was Gore who provided the finishing touch. With three runs needed off Jason Holder’s final over, Gore sealed victory in dramatic fashion, smashing a drive straight down the ground that slipped through the hands of the fielder at mid-on, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd.
The Falcons closed at 137 for 3 in 19.4 overs, securing another crucial win in their title push.
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