In a thrilling debut for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Â Playing at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, the Falcons clinched their first win of the tournament by 6 runs, earning their first two points. Pakistan Times is bringing you this news first.
Falcons Set a Competitive Total
Electing to bat first after losing the toss, the Falcons knew they had to post a decent total to challenge the experienced Knight Riders. Fakhar Zaman, known for his aggressive starts, was in sublime form, delivering a quick-fire 38 off just 26 balls. His innings was laced with five boundaries, helping his team build early momentum. Paired with Justin Greaves, the two openers took advantage of the powerplay, racing to 50 runs within 4.2 overs. Greaves contributed a blistering 37 off 19 balls, smashing four boundaries and two sixes at an impressive strike rate of 194.73. This partnership laid a solid foundation, with the team reaching 65/1 in just under six overs.
However, the Knight Riders clawed their way back into the game through their spinners. Sunil Narine, a key player for Trinbago, showed his class by dismissing both Greaves and Roshon Primus, who struggled to accelerate, managing only 19 runs off 26 balls. Narine’s figures of 2/32 in his four overs put a brake on the Falcons’ charge.
Despite the setbacks, Imad Wasim’s calm yet aggressive batting kept the scoreboard ticking. The left-hander played a captain’s knock, contributing 46 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 158.62. His innings ensured the Falcons remained competitive and kept pushing towards a strong total. Imad’s dismissal in the final over meant the lower order had to finish the innings. Fabian Allen did just that, smashing an unbeaten 25 off just 11 balls with two boundaries and a six. Thanks to his efforts, the Falcons posted a challenging 176/6 in their 20 overs.
Bowling Response from Trinbago Knight Riders
The Knight Riders had a tough task ahead, chasing a total of 177 on a slightly sluggish pitch. Their bowlers did a decent job in the middle overs but were left to rue some expensive spells early in the powerplay. Waqar Salamkheil and Sunil Narine emerged as the key wicket-takers for Trinbago, with both bowlers picking up two wickets each. Salamkheil’s spell of 2/27 in his four overs was particularly impressive, as he contained the dangerous Fakhar Zaman and later removed Jewel Andrew for just 2 runs.
Terrance Hinds also chipped in with a wicket, dismissing Imad Wasim in the penultimate over. However, the rest of the Trinbago bowling unit struggled, with players like Josh Little conceding runs at a high economy of 13.66, allowing the Falcons to post a solid target.
Mohammad Amir Shines with the Ball
In the chase, Trinbago Knight Riders were off to a rocky start, losing Sunil Narine early for a duck, courtesy of Chris Green. However, Andries Gous and Shaqkere Parris tried to stabilize the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership for the second wicket. Gous played a steady knock, scoring 39 off 33 balls, while Parris contributed 31 off 28 balls. They looked set to build a platform, but Fabian Allen’s magical spell turned the game around.
Allen, who had already shone with the bat, stepped up with the ball, taking 3/23 in his four overs. He dismissed Gous, Parris, and the dangerous Nicholas Pooran in quick succession, leaving Trinbago in trouble at 72/3. His economical and impactful bowling put immense pressure on the Knight Riders, forcing them to take risks.
Mohammad Amir, known for his ability to deliver in crunch moments, was introduced into the attack and quickly made his mark. Amirbowled with precision and control, removing Trinbago’s skipper Kieron Pollard, who had raced to 30 off 15 balls and was looking dangerous.
Pollard’s wicket proved to be a turning point in the match. Amir’sspell of 1/24 in four overs kept the Falcons in control, preventing the Knight Riders from gaining any significant momentum in the chase.
A Late Surge but Not Enough for Trinbago
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Trinbago’s middle order, led by Pollard and Keacy Carty, kept the game alive. Carty played a responsible knock of 34 off 22 balls, while Pollard’s quickfire innings gave the Knight Riders a glimmer of hope. However, after Pollard’s dismissal in the 17th over, the required run rate kept climbing.
Andre Russell, who is known for his ability to finish games, couldn’t replicate his heroics this time. He managed only 8 runs off 5 balls before falling to Roshon Primus, who bowled a tight spell, picking up two crucial wickets in the death overs.
With 18 runs needed off the final over, Trinbago fell short, managing only 170/9 in their 20 overs. The Falcons held their nerve, securing a thrilling 6-run victory to kickstart their CPL campaign on a high.
Fabian Allen: The Match-Winner
Unsurprisingly, Fabian Allen was named the Player of the Match for his all-round performance. His explosive batting at the death helped the Falcons post a competitive total, and his exceptional spell of 3/23 derailed Trinbago’s chase. Allen’s contribution was crucial in both departments, proving his worth as a game-changer for the Falcons.
In a nutshell, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons couldn’t have asked for a better start to their CPLcampaign. Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Amir—all experienced international cricketers, played key roles in their team’s first win. Their efforts, along with Fabian Allen’s standout performance, helped the Falcons defend a modest total and defeat the star-studded Trinbago Knight Riders. With this victory, the Falcons have sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament: they are here to compete, and their mix of talent and experience makes them a formidable team.
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