Knight Riders End Falcons Hoodoo with Dominant Eight-Wicket Win
Trinbago Knight Riders finally broke their losing streak against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons with a convincing eight-wicket victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, at the Brian Lara Stadium on Wednesday night.
The win, their first against the Falcons in four attempts, was built on a complete team performance — led by the pace of Mohammad Amir, the finishing touch of Nicholas Pooran, and a composed 87-run second-wicket stand between Alex Hales and Keacy Carty.
Amir Strikes Early to Set the Tone
After winning the toss, Knight Riders skipper Nicholas Pooran chose to bowl — a decision vindicated immediately by Mohammad Amir, who rocked the Falcons top order with two wickets in the opening over. He trapped Rahkeem Cornwall lbw with the second delivery of the match and dismissed Karima Gore similarly five balls later, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling effort.
Andre Russell (2 for 23) and Akeal Hosein (2 for 25) joined the act, and the Falcons slipped to 71 for 6 despite a promising powerplay that saw them reach 43 for 2.
Andrew, Imad, and Usama Offer Resistance
Jewel Andrew was the standout batter for the Falcons, scoring a fluent 40 off 31 balls before an extraordinary boundary catch by young McKenny Clarke ended his innings. Imad Wasim (37* off 25) and Usama Mir (34 off 26) combined for a late surge, adding crucial runs to lift the total to 146 for 7 — a respectable but ultimately insufficient target.
Carty and Hales Seal the Deal
Trinbago’s chase began with the early loss of Colin Munro, dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan for 4. However, any hopes Falcons had of defending the total faded as Alex Hales (55* off 46) and Keacy Carty (60 off 45) constructed a patient yet effective 87-run partnership.
Carty was the more aggressive of the two, reaching his half-century first before falling in the 16th over. Hales, having found his rhythm after a slow start, ensured there were no hiccups.
Nicholas Pooran then applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 23 off just 11 balls, including a towering six off Jayden Seales to wrap up the match with eight balls to spare.
Knight Riders Climb to Second
The victory not only gave Trinbago their first win over the Falcons but also propelled them to second place on the CPL 2025 points table — just behind the Falcons.
This comprehensive win, featuring a dominant bowling display, a sharp fielding moment, and a composed chase, could mark a turning point in the Knight Riders’ campaign as they begin their home leg with strong momentum.
Match Summary:
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 146/7 (Andrew 40, Imad 37*, Amir 3-22, Russell 2-23, Hosein 2-25)
Trinbago Knight Riders: 152/2 in 18.4 overs (Carty 60, Hales 55*, Shakib 1-25)
Result: Knight Riders won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Mohammad Amir