The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons finally secured their first win of the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by 6 runs in a thrilling match held in Antigua on Thursday night.
Batting first after losing the toss, the Falcons set a competitive total of 176 for 6 in their 20 overs. Opener Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a solid 38, while Justin Greaves contributed to a strong 65-run opening partnership.
Roshon Primus chipped in with 19, and Imad Wasim boosted the innings with a quickfire 46 off 29 balls.
Fabian Allen played a pivotal role with a late surge, adding crucial runs to the Falcons’ score.
TKR bowlers Sunil Narine and Waqar Salamkheil each claimed two wickets.
In reply, TKR started strong with Andries Gous top-scoring with 39 and Shaqkere Parris contributing 31.
Despite their promising start, TKR’s middle order faltered, with key players like Narine and Nicholas Pooran dismissed without scoring.
Kieron Pollard and Keacy Carty tried to rescue the innings with a solid partnership, but the Falcons’ bowlers struck at regular intervals to restrict the visitors.
Fabian Allen’s all-around performance proved decisive, as the Falcons limited TKR to 170 for 9 in their 20 overs, securing a narrow but crucial victory by 6 runs.
This win marked the Falcons’ first in the tournament after suffering four consecutive losses in their home leg.
Falcons captain Chris Green expressed satisfaction with his team’s response after previous close defeats, while TKR skipper Kieron Pollard pointed to fielding errors as a key factor in his team’s loss.
The victory breathes new life into the Falcons’ CPL campaign, while TKR will look to regroup after the narrow defeat.