Salamkheil Stars as Patriots Begin CPL 2025 with Commanding Win

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots opened their CPL 2025 campaign with a dominant six-wicket victory over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, thanks largely to a brilliant four-wicket haul by Afghan wrist-spinner Waqar Salamkheil.

Opting to bowl first, Patriots skipper Jason Holder was rewarded early as Kyle Mayers, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naseem Shah reduced the Falcons to 39 for 3 within the first five overs. Salamkheil then took charge of the middle overs, dismantling the Falcons' lineup with figures of 4 for 22. His scalps included key names like Fabian Allen, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim, and Odean Smith.

Despite the collapse around him, USA batter Karima Gore stood tall with a fluent 61 off 34 balls, laced with eight boundaries and two sixes. However, his dismissal in the 12th over – caught by wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher off a Farooqi slower ball – left the Falcons struggling. They were eventually bowled out for 121.

In response, the Patriots started briskly with Evin Lewis smashing 25 off 13 balls before falling to Obed McCoy. A brief wobble followed as Rahkeem Cornwall removed Kyle Mayers and Rilee Rossouw in the same over, reducing the Patriots to 56 for 3.

However, Alick Athanaze’s composed 37* off 28 balls, along with a calm 18* from Holder, guided the Patriots home. Despite a tidy spell from Cornwall (2 for 19), the Falcons couldn't build enough pressure as the Patriots sealed the chase with five overs to spare.

The win marks a strong start for the Patriots, champions in 2021, as they look to make another deep run in the tournament.

Match Summary:
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons – 121 all out in 15.4 overs (Gore 61; Salamkheil 4-22, Farooqi 2-30, Naseem 2-20)
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots – 125 for 4 in 15 overs (Athanaze 37*, Cornwall 2-19)
Result: Patriots won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Waqar Salamkheil