BR VS ABF T20S

Right then, that brings us to the end of this contest, with Antigua & Barbuda Falcons getting their first points on the board while the Barbados Royals will have to wait a little longer for their opening win of the season. Up next in CPL 2025, we’ve got a cracking double-header lined up on Sunday, 17th August. First, the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots face off against Trinbago Knight Riders at 3 pm GMT, followed by the home side ABF returning under the lights to take on the reigning champions, the Saint Lucia Kings, at 11 pm GMT. As always, join us a bit earlier for all the build-up and excitement. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Imad Wasim, the victorious skipper of Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, says that it is a great win. Adds that they bowled well up front. Praises Powell for his knock but says that they knew if someone scored 50-60, they would be in the game, and credits Gore for his innings. Mentions that this will boost their confidence, but it is a quick turnaround, and they will have to be ready for the next game. Says that he does not think there are any niggles in the camp and says that as professionals, they are used to playing back-to-back games. Ends by saying that they will go hard and try to win the game.

Rovman Powell, the captain of Barbados Royals, says that batting was difficult early on and feels they could have been a bit different. Adds that the dropped catches are because they are a bit rusty, as this is their first game. Mentions that it is for them to pick up the pieces and come back stronger in the next one. Says that he was pleased with his knock and says that when he came out to bat, they were under a bit of pressure. Tells that they needed someone to bat till the end, so when QDK got out, he needed to stay there.

Karima Gore is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. He says that he has put in a lot of work and is feeling good. Adds that it is just see ball, hit ball for him now. Mentions that he tried to get used to the pitch, but it was a bit difficult.Says that, skipper Imad told him to hold his base stronger, and Allen also gave him some good tips that calmed him down a bit. Further adds that being a captain in the Breakout shaped his mind a lot more, and he learned a few things. Says that he prides himself on running and tries to keep himself fit. Tells that singles are part of aggressive batting. Ends by saying that once you can run plenty of the odd boundaries, you will keep going.

Presentation Time...

Barbados Royals will walk away disappointed with the result, but it wasn’t as though they didn’t have their moments. They created enough chances, only to let them slip with some sloppy catching - Sherfane Rutherford guilty of a couple, while even QDK had an off day with the gloves. On the brighter side, their spin duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Jomel Warrican was a massive positive, with Warrican making a memorable return to CPL after a decade and looking right at home. Eathan Bosch too, kept things tight, even bowling a maiden in the Powerplay, though Daniel Sams proved a bit expensive. Still, the Royals showed plenty of heart to drag the game right down to the last over, which speaks volumes about their fight.

Earlier in the game, Barbados Royals managed to post a fighting total on the board, anchored by a fine half-century from Quinton de Kock and then turbo-charged by skipper Rovman Powell’s explosive 24-ball 51, which gave their innings real momentum, but one would have thought they were still short of some runs. For Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, it was a spirited effort with the ball as Obed McCoy and Jayden Seales picked up two wickets apiece to keep dragging the Royals back, while Imad Wasim and Allah Mohammad chipped in with one each. Even though Odean Smith had an off day and leaked runs, the others stood tall and didn’t let the innings completely get away.

Despite the early blow of losing Rahkeem Cornwall, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons managed to steady themselves with Karima Gore taking charge as the anchor while Jewel Andrew kept the scoreboard ticking by playing his shots. Shakib Al Hasan too chipped in with a handy stand alongside Gore, but the chase truly belonged to the composed batting of Gore. He judged the moments perfectly, taking risks when needed and showing remarkable calm under pressure, never once letting it slip away. The running between the wickets was excellent, which also made a difference. With Imad Wasim and Fabian Allen adding those much-needed lusty blows at the back end, ABF stayed on course. Gore fittingly sealed it all, unbeaten on 64, his second fifty in a row, and with the winning runs to cap off a night of pure relief and joy for him and his team.

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are up and running in CPL 2025! What a moment for them, kicking off their home leg with a fantastic win, and their first ever against the Barbados Royals too. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, as they made it a bit harder for themselves than they would have liked, but the relief and joy on their faces said it all when they crossed the line. The Royals, though, deserve credit for fighting till the very end and making it a real contest. A special night for ABF and their fans, one they’ll remember for a while.

Karima Gore hits the WINNING RUNS! Ramon Simmonds bowls a slower one, full and outside off, Gore slices it away wide of sweeper covers and comes back for the second run. Antigua & Barbuda Falcons win by 6 wickets!

Rovman Powell has come up to his bowler and is changing his field. They are trying to take the sting out of the game to put the extra pressure on the batters.

Fuller again and on off, Fabian Allen forces it to long off for a run. 150 up for ABF! Just 2 needed now.

Pitched up and on leg, Karima Gore drives it to long on for a single.

Fuller and around off, Karima Gore drills it towards extra covers. Daniel Sams makes a good diving stop but parries it away to long off. Two runs taken. 4 needed in 5 now!

Ramon Simmonds (3-0-24-0) to bowl the last over. Can he defend 5 runs here? All three results are still possible here.

SIX! INTO THE STANDS! That spoils the over here! Daniel Sams misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, on middle and leg. Fabian Allen is not going to miss out on that and smashes it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Sams is disappointed with himself. ABF needs just one big hit in the last over.

Third dot of the over! Fuller one and outside off, angling away, Fabian Allen is standing on the off stump and swings but misses. Great call by the umpire. Huge ball coming up now.