Falcons score thrilling win over TKR no end home run in style

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons had a superb victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders to record their first victory in this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League on Thursday night.

Smart bowling by seamer Roshon Primus resulted in two dismissals in the last over to limit the Knight Riders to 170-9 in their 20 overs, six runs short of the Falcons’ competitive total of 176-6.

The win sparked scenes of celebration and jubilation at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium as a crowd of over 6,000 supporters came out to cheer on the home team. It was the fifth and final home game – following two narrow last-ball defeats to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Guyana Amazon Warriors; as well as defeats to Barbados Royals and Saint Lucia Kings.

Allrounder Fabian Allen was instrumental in guiding the Falcons over the line with an impressive showing with the bat, ball and in the field. He made 25 not out of 11 balls, then took 3-13 off four overs – including a stupendous caught-and-bowl to dismiss Nicholas Pooran.

Primus was the hero, as he kept his cool to bowl an outstanding final over as he defended the target with the game on the line with the Knight Riders requiring 16 runs off the 20th. Over. Earlier, Allen removed three of the Knight Riders’ top four batsmen – including the dangerous Pooran – to leave them stumbling at 79-4.

The left-arm spinner trapped opener Shaqkere Parris in front for 31, and then with the next delivery he held a stunning return catch to dismiss Pooran for a first ball duck. Allen then had topscorer Andries Gous caught on the midwicket boundary for 39 to put the Falcons in the driver’s seat.