The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots with just two balls to spare in the latest Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match at Warner Park. The tense contest saw the Falcons pull off a successful chase of 153, despite a gripping battle that went down to the wire.
Patriots’ Innings: Late Flourish from Mikyle Louis
After being put in to bat, the Patriots found themselves in early trouble at 60/4 in the ninth over. However, a determined lower-order knock from Mikyle Louis turned the tide. Louis hammered 63 off just 36 balls, including seven towering sixes, to propel the Patriots to a competitive total of 153/8 from their 20 overs. His aggressive hitting in the final overs helped add 33 crucial runs.
For the Falcons, Mohammad Amir was the standout bowler, taking 3/25 to stifle the Patriots’ batting lineup and keep the total within reach.
Falcons’ Response: A Nervy Chase
In reply, the Falcons got off to a solid start with Brandon King and Justin Greaves adding 55 runs for the first wicket. However, King fell in the fifth over to the fiery pace of Anrich Nortje, which triggered a series of regular wickets that kept the contest finely poised.
The Patriots fought back, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who was superb with the ball, taking 4/25 in a devastating spell of leg-spin. Hasaranga dismissed key Falcons batters including Justin Greaves, Sam Billings, Jewel Andrew, and Shamar Springer, putting the Patriots in control as the Falcons stumbled to 110/7.
Imad Wasim Stars and Fabian Allen Lead the Rescue
With the Falcons’ chase faltering, Imad Wasim and Roshon Primus rebuilt the innings, taking singles and finding the gaps to bring the equation down to 22 runs needed off the final three overs. Primus was dismissed for 14 in the penultimate over, caught off Nortje at backward point, leaving the Falcons needing 11 runs from the final six balls.
Enter Fabian Allen, who turned the match on its head. Facing Dominic Drakes in the final over, Allen struck consecutive boundaries—a six and a four—off short balls, before taking the single required to seal the victory for the Falcons with two balls remaining.
Key Performances:
- Mikyle Louis (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots): 63 off 36 balls, 7 sixes
- Mohammad Amir (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons): 3/25
- Wanindu Hasaranga (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots): 4/25
- Imad Wasim (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons): 17* and 2/24
- Fabian Allen (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons): Match-winning six and four in the final over
Brief Scores:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 153/8 in 20 overs (Mikyle Louis 63, Mohammad Amir 3/27, Imad Wasim 2/24)
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 154/8 in 19.4 overs (Justin Greaves 30, Imad Wasim 17*, Wanindu Hasaranga 4/16)
Result: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons won by 2 wickets with 2 balls remaining.
Player of the Match: Imad Wasim (17* and 2/24)
The Falcons’ thrilling win pushes them to third in the standings, while the Patriots languish at the bottom, having lost five consecutive matches.
