PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons produced an exceptional all-around performance to claim a surprise six-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match at the Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday night.
Entering the contest with only two wins from their previous eight matches, the Falcons put on a disciplined display to restrict TKR to a modest total of 134 for eight in their 20 overs. Justin Greaves, the Player of the Match, led the Falcons’ response with a composed 46, retiring out as his team secured victory by reaching 135 for four in 19 overs.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, the Knight Riders struggled to find momentum. Despite a valiant effort by captain Kieron Pollard, who top-scored with 47, TKR’s innings never truly ignited. Mohammad Amir set the tone for the Falcons early, dismissing Sunil Narine for just four, while Shamar Springer removed Shaqkere Parris for nine, reducing the Knight Riders to 29 for two in the fifth over.
Deep trouble
Things worsened for TKR as Keacy Carty fell for eight to Chris Green, and a spectacular diving catch from Hassad Khan at deep square leg sent Nicholas Pooran back for six, leaving the home side in deep trouble at 42 for four.
A stabilizing partnership between Pollard and Tim David, worth 40 runs, gave the Knight Riders a brief respite, but when Fabian Allen had David caught for 25 and Joshua James took a sharp catch to dismiss Andre Russell for a first-ball duck, the hosts were left reeling at 82 for six.
Pollard managed to lift his side past three figures with a 46-run partnership alongside Akeal Hosein (nine), but his measured 47 off 37 balls wasn’t enough to propel TKR to a commanding total. He fell in the final over, caught on the boundary by Khan off Springer’s bowling. Allen finished with impressive figures of 2-11, while Springer claimed 2-28 from his three overs.
A modest target
Chasing a modest target, the Falcons initially faltered, losing Brandon King for a duck and Kofi James for 10, as they found themselves at 15 for two early in their innings. However, Greaves and Khan steadied the ship with a crucial 53-run partnership, putting the visitors in control.
Khan, who contributed a brisk 36 off 20 balls, fell to Sunil Narine, stumped while attempting to accelerate. But Imad Wasim, unbeaten on 36, and Greaves kept the Falcons on course with a composed 49-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Greaves, just shy of a half-century, surprised many by retiring out after reaching 46, with the score on 117 for four in the 18th over. Wasim ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing the game in the 19th over, as the Falcons earned a much-needed victory to boost their CPL campaign.
This win handed the struggling Falcons a rare triumph, showcasing a balanced effort with both bat and ball to topple one of the tournament favorites.
