A disciplined bowling effort, followed by crucial contributions from Justin Greaves and Imad Wasim, led Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to a six-wicket victory over Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2024 CPL on Thursday, completing a double over their rivals. TKR, sent in to bat, managed a modest total of 134, thanks to late heroics from Kieron Pollard. Greaves anchored the chase after two early wickets, with both Hassan Khan and Imad Wasim chipping in with 36 runs each to secure the Falcons' third win of the season.
Mohammad Amir struck early, removing the dangerous Sunil Narine in the first over, and Shaqkere Parris followed soon after, leaving TKR struggling at 29/2. Their situation worsened when Keacy Carty and Nicholas Pooran were dismissed quickly, reducing them to 42/4 within the first 10 overs.
Tim David and Pollard then stitched together a 40-run stand, briefly reviving the innings. The duo targeted left-arm spinner Hassan Khan, hitting three sixes between them. However, Fabian Allen delivered a game-changing moment by dismissing David and big-hitter Andre Russell in consecutive deliveries, with Russell falling for a golden duck.
Pollard was left to rebuild at 82/6, but it wasn't until the penultimate over that he could cut loose, smashing Mohammad Amir for 22 runs, including two sixes. Though Pollard was dismissed in the final over, his late onslaught helped TKR reach a somewhat respectable total.
Chasing 135, the Falcons stumbled early, losing two wickets within the first four overs and finding themselves at 15/2. Greaves steadied the innings with a 53-run partnership alongside Hassan Khan, but Narine broke the stand by stumping Hassan, providing a breakthrough for TKR.
Drama unfolded soon after, as Imad Wasim was controversially given out LBW by the third umpire, despite replays showing a clear inside edge. The decision was overturned, but confusion arose when it was discovered that Imad had crossed the boundary line. After a ten-minute delay, the situation was finally resolved, though tensions were high among both teams.
Narine’s wicket-maiden left the Falcons needing 67 runs at the halfway mark. Imad and Greaves added 49 runs, but with 18 required off the last 12 balls, the Falcons retired Greaves, who was struggling. Imad then took charge, smashing Joshua Little for 18 runs to finish the game with an over to spare.
The match saw yet another controversial moment when Imad, while running for a second run, unintentionally deflected the ball to the boundary. This resulted in six runs when 15 were needed off 10 balls. TKR appealed, claiming that Imad had deliberately obstructed the throw. However, after a review for obstruction by the third umpire, Imad was cleared, adding to Pollard’s frustration.
Brief scores:
Trinbago Knight Riders 134/8 in 20 overs lost to Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 135/4 in 19 overs by 6 wickets.