PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons produced an distinctive all-around efficiency to assert a shock six-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match on the Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday evening.
Coming into the competition with solely two wins from their earlier eight matches, the Falcons placed on a disciplined show to limit TKR to a modest complete of 134 for eight of their 20 overs. Justin Greaves, the Participant of the Match, led the Falcons’ response with a composed 46, retiring out as his staff secured victory by reaching 135 for 4 in 19 overs.
Despatched in to bat after dropping the toss, the Knight Riders struggled to seek out momentum. Regardless of a valiant effort by captain Kieron Pollard, who top-scored with 47, TKR’s innings by no means really ignited. Mohammad Amir set the tone for the Falcons early, dismissing Sunil Narine for simply 4, whereas Shamar Springer eliminated Shaqkere Parris for 9, lowering the Knight Riders to 29 for 2 within the fifth over.
Deep bother
Issues worsened for TKR as Keacy Carty fell for eight to Chris Inexperienced, and a spectacular diving catch from Hassad Khan at deep sq. leg despatched Nicholas Pooran again for six, leaving the house facet in serious trouble at 42 for 4.
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A stabilizing partnership between Pollard and Tim David, value 40 runs, gave the Knight Riders a quick respite, however when Fabian Allen had David caught for 25 and Joshua James took a pointy catch to dismiss Andre Russell for a first-ball duck, the hosts have been left reeling at 82 for six.
Pollard managed to elevate his facet previous three figures with a 46-run partnership alongside Akeal Hosein (9), however his measured 47 off 37 balls wasn’t sufficient to propel TKR to a commanding complete. He fell within the last over, caught on the boundary by Khan off Springer’s bowling. Allen completed with spectacular figures of 2-11, whereas Springer claimed 2-28 from his three overs.
A modest goal
Chasing a modest goal, the Falcons initially faltered, dropping Brandon King for a duck and Kofi James for 10, as they discovered themselves at 15 for 2 early of their innings. Nevertheless, Greaves and Khan steadied the ship with a vital 53-run partnership, placing the guests in management.
Khan, who contributed a brisk 36 off 20 balls, fell to Sunil Narine, stumped whereas making an attempt to speed up. However Imad Wasim, unbeaten on 36, and Greaves stored the Falcons on track with a composed 49-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Greaves, simply shy of a half-century, shocked many by retiring out after reaching 46, with the rating on 117 for 4 within the 18th over. Wasim ensured there have been no additional hiccups, ending the sport within the nineteenth over, because the Falcons earned a much-needed victory to spice up their CPL marketing campaign.
This win handed the struggling Falcons a uncommon triumph, showcasing a balanced effort with each bat and ball to topple one of many match favorites.
