By Anas Ahmed 
Falcons Keep Playoff Dream Alive
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons inched closer to a historic first-ever CPL playoff qualification with a nail-biting four-wicket victory over the Barbados Royals at Kensington Oval. The game went down to the very last delivery, with Shamar Springer scrambling a brace as the Falcons sealed a memorable win.
The hero of the night was Andries Gous, who carried his bat with a brilliant 85 not out off 53 balls, guiding his side through tense phases and ensuring they crossed the finish line in dramatic fashion.
King Shines, but Royals Fall Short Again
Sent in to bat, the Royals produced their best batting display of the season thanks to a sparkling knock from Brandon King. The West Indies opener thrilled the home crowd with a dominant 98 not out off 65 balls, peppered with six fours and seven sixes.
King was ably supported by Quinton de Kock (27) and Sherfane Rutherford (29 off 17) as the Royals posted a challenging 187/4.
But on a good surface, it was Salman Irshad’s spell of 2/13 from four overs that stood out. The Falcons’ pacer used variation superbly, removing Rovman Powell and Rassie van der Dussen cheaply to restrict the Royals at crucial moments.
Gous the Glue
The Falcons’ chase got off to a flying start through Amir Jangoo (23 off 14), before Gous took command. His innings was one of control and composure, mixing timely boundaries with smart rotation of strike.
Kevin Wickham (26), Shakib Al Hasan (15), and Imad Wasim (17) all contributed handy cameos but perished at key stages. The Royals had multiple chances to swing the game back their way, but a string of dropped catches proved costly.
That left Gous and Springer to finish the job. With two needed off the final delivery, Springer held his nerve, punching straight and running hard with Gous to complete the win.
Royals Still Searching for a Win
For the Barbados Royals, this defeat leaves them rooted at the bottom of the CPL table, still winless after five matches. Despite King’s brilliance, Powell’s side failed once again to close out a winning position, with poor fielding proving decisive.
The Falcons now rise to third on the table, with their playoff hopes looking increasingly realistic as they continue their breakthrough season.
Brief Scores
Barbados Royals 187/4 (Brandon King 98*, Sherfane Rutherford 29; Salman Irshad 2/13)
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons 188/6 (Andries Gous 85*, Kevin Wickham 26; Daniel Sams 3/29)
Result: Falcons won by 4 wickets (last ball)
Player of the Match: Salman Irshad (2/13)
Zainab Shafiq