A composed half-century partnership from Alex Hales and Keacy Carty, followed by a finishing flourish from Nicholas Pooran, helped Trinbago Knight Riders finally break their jinx against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the CPL 2025 on Wednesday night.
Chasing 147, Knight Riders cruised home with eight balls to spare, finishing on 152 for 2. The result not only ended their three-match losing streak against the Falcons but also lifted them to second place on the points table, just behind the same opposition.
Amir, Russell and Hosein Set the Tone
Opting to bowl first, captain Pooran’s faith in his bowlers paid off instantly. Mohammad Amir (3 for 22) struck twice in the opening over, trapping Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore lbw. From there, the Knight Riders’ attack rarely let up.
Akeal Hosein (2 for 25) removed Andries Gous and Shakib Al Hasan, before Andre Russell (2 for 23) broke the Falcons’ resistance with a double strike, including the key wicket of Jewel Andrew for 40 – courtesy of a spectacular running catch by youngster McKenny Clarke at deep midwicket.
At 71 for 6, Falcons looked in danger of collapsing completely, but skipper Imad Wasim (37* off 25) and Usama Mir (34 off 26) staged a late counterattack to lift them to 146 for 7.
Hales and Carty Seal the Chase
The chase had a minor wobble when Shakib dismissed Colin Munro early, but Hales and Carty steadied the innings with a measured 87-run stand for the second wicket.
Carty was the aggressor, bringing up his half-century before falling for 60 off 45, while Hales anchored smartly, shifting gears in the middle overs to finish unbeaten on 55 off 46. Pooran then applied the finishing touches, blasting 23 not out off just 11 balls, including a towering six off Jayden Seales to wrap up the win.
Turning Point
Clarke’s stunning catch to dismiss Andrew was the moment that tilted momentum firmly in Knight Riders’ favour, cutting short Falcons’ best innings of the night.
What’s Next
For Trinbago, the victory marks a perfect start to their home leg. For the Falcons, it was the first time in CPL history they lost after posting 140-plus, having won their previous encounters from such positions.
