Gore’s Unbeaten Fifty Steers Falcons to First Win of CPL 2025

Karima Gore continued his impressive run in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), guiding the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to a six-wicket victory over the Barbados Royals at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Gore’s unbeaten 64 ensured the Falcons secured their first win of the season in front of a home crowd.

Chasing a competitive 152, the Falcons endured early setbacks but remained in control thanks to Gore’s composed innings. The left-hander, batting at No. 3, initially played a cautious knock, scoring 39 off his first 41 balls. With the required rate climbing, he shifted gears decisively, blasting 19 runs off six deliveries during a crucial phase in the 18th over — including back-to-back sixes off Eathan Bosch. The chase was completed with two balls to spare, with Gore anchoring the innings till the end.

Earlier, Falcons opted to bowl after winning the toss and kept the Royals in check for most of their innings. Quinton de Kock set the tone with a brisk 57 at the top, while captain Rovman Powell accelerated late in the innings with a powerful unbeaten 51 off just 24 balls, taking the Royals to a respectable total of 151 for 6. Jayden Seales led the bowling effort for the Falcons, returning with impressive figures of 2 for 15 from his four overs.

Despite the Royals’ disciplined bowling, led by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican (1 for 20) and offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1 for 23), fielding errors proved costly. Dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities allowed Falcons, and Gore in particular, to capitalise. Gore was handed at least two lifelines, both of which he used to tilt the game in his team’s favour.

The win marks a strong comeback for the Falcons after their opening loss to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, where Gore had also top-scored with 61 in a losing cause. With two fifties in two matches, Gore has quickly emerged as a standout performer for the Falcons this season.

Match Summary:
Barbados Royals: 151/6 (De Kock 57, Powell 51*; Seales 2-15)
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 152/4 (Gore 64*; Warrican 1-20)
Result: Falcons won by six wickets.