The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons finished out a thrilling four-wicket win over the Barbados Royals to move closer to their first appearance in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) knockout rounds. Andries Gous carried his bat to end on 85 not out, giving the Falcons a two-run triumph from the final ball.
The Falcons won the toss and chose to field first, which backfired in the early portions of the Royals’ innings.
Brandon King hit the ball all over the Kensington Oval, much to the pleasure of the home crowd. Quinton de Kock contributed 27 points to King’s cause, and Sherfane Rutherford added 29.
King missed out on his hundred and ended the innings on 98 not out as he and Chris Green looked for runs rather than a milestone as the Royals set the Falcons 188 to win. The pick of the Falcons bowlers was Salman Irshad who claimed incredible figures of 2/13 off four overs on a very good batting surface.
There was a solid stand from Amir Jangoo and Gous for the Falcons before two quick wickets brought the Royals back into the game. If could have been many more Falcons batters heading back to the Sir Garfield Sobers pavilion, but several dropped catches stopped the Royals from capitalising on the chances they have created.
There were cameos throughout the Falcons innings but nothing else as substantial as Gous’ innings. But he wasn’t on strike at the end with two needed from the last ball. Shamar Springer was the one given that responsibility and he hit the ball down the ground as the Falcons pair scrambled back for a second to leave the Royals still without their first win this season.
India
