The Real McCoy' bowls Falcons to superb over Knight Riders

In a heart-stopping finish on Wednesday night, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons clinched a nail-biting victory by eight runs over the Trinbago Knight Riders. The win catapulted the Falcons to the top of table in this year's the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

After being sent in to bat the Falcons’ innings stuttered, crumbling to 77-5 in the 14th over before Fabian Allen launched a spectacular counter-attack with 45 runs off a just 20 balls, a whirlwind innings featuring three fours and three sixes that propelled the Falcons to a competitive 167-6.

Captain Imad Wasim was not to be outdone, as he weighed in with a crucial unbeaten 39 which came off 27 balls. The Knight Riders’ chase was built on the back of another strong start from Colin Munro for 44. However, the introduction of left-arm quick Obed McCoy proved decisive. In a game-changing over, McCoy removed both the set Munro and the threatening Alex Hales, applying the brakes to the run rate and finishing with impressive figures of 4-39.

The match came down to the final over. TKR needed 14 runs to win with Kieron Pollard on strike and Shamar Springer with the ball. With nerves of steel style Springer kept his composure under immense pressure and delivered a masterclass in death bowling with a mixture of yorkers and well-directed short balls. Needing 13 runs off the final ball, Pollard could only manage a four, sealing a famous victory for the Falcons as Pollard finished unbeaten on 43 from 28 balls as TKR mustered 159-6.

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have their next match against Guyana Amazon Warriors on Friday night at 7pm at the home base at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.