Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir played pivotal roles in helping the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons defeat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, handing the Patriots their fifth consecutive loss in CPL 2024. This victory marks a turnaround for Antigua, who have now won back-to-back games after starting their campaign with four straight defeats. In contrast, St Kitts are now on a losing streak after winning their opening match.
Amir gave Antigua a dream start by dismissing both openers cheaply. If it weren't for Kyle Mayers' boundaries during the powerplay, St Kitts' run rate would have been even worse. However, Mayers was dismissed on the last ball of the powerplay, leaving his team struggling. Rilee Rossouw found it tough to score, while Wanindu Hasaranga contributed a quick cameo before falling midway through the innings.
With St Kitts at just 98 with five overs remaining, it was Mikyle Louis who took charge. Batting through the death overs, Louis unleashed a flurry of big hits, smashing five sixes off Fabian Allen and Imad to bring up a brilliant half-century. His effort helped St Kitts post a competitive total of 153/8.
Despite Louis' late heroics, Antigua made a blistering start to the chase. Brandon King and Justin Greaves launched an assault, racing to 50 runs within the first four overs. King’s explosive innings ended before the powerplay, and Hasaranga then removed Greaves, giving St Kitts hope. From 80/1, Antigua's middle order collapsed, with Hasaranga tearing through the lineup to reduce them to 99/6.
The match appeared to be slipping away from Antigua, but with Sam Billings and Imad still at the crease, there was a glimmer of hope. Billings fell soon after, but Roshon Primus relieved some of the pressure by smashing Hasaranga for a six and a four. Imad and Allen then held their nerve, guiding Antigua to a tense win with just two balls remaining.
Brief Scores:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 153/8 in 20 overs (Mikyle Louis 63; Mohammad Amir 3/27) lost to Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 154/8 in 19.4 overs (Justin Greaves 30; Wanindu Hasaranga 4/16) by 2 wickets.