By Anas Ahmed 
Basseterre, August 14, 2025 – The 13th edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) began in style as St Kitts & Nevis Patriots powered to a comprehensive 6-wicket victory over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the season opener at Warner Park. The hosts needed just 15 overs to chase down their target, with skipper Jason Holder’s side showcasing balance, control, and intent from the very first ball.
Waqar Salamkheil Spins a Web
After winning the toss, Holder sent the Falcons in to bat – a decision that quickly paid dividends. The Patriots’ bowlers adapted perfectly to the sticky surface, exploiting both turn and bounce to keep the visitors under constant pressure.
The standout was left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4/22 in his full quota. His variations and sharp turn left the Falcons guessing, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Pace duo Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/28) and Naseem Shah (2/20) added further misery, sharing four wickets between them and maintaining relentless pressure.
Karima Gore’s Lone Resistance
For the Falcons, the only real fight came from Karima Gore, who produced his maiden T20 half-century. His fluent 61 off 34 balls, featuring clean drives and calculated aggression, was the innings’ bright spot. Fabian Allen (12) was the only other batter to reach double figures.
Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the visitors were bowled out for 121 – a total that was always going to be difficult to defend against a power-packed Patriots batting order.
Clinical Patriots Chase
The chase began with fireworks from Evin Lewis, who smashed 25 off just 13 balls to set the tone. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets, the Patriots never looked troubled.
Alick Athanaze anchored the innings with a composed 37* off 28 balls, ensuring stability alongside his captain Jason Holder (18 off 14). The pair’s experience and smart shot selection saw the hosts cruise home with five overs to spare.
Falcons spinner Rahkeem Cornwall briefly caused a stir, taking two wickets in one over, but with such a low target, the Patriots had plenty in hand.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots have made the perfect start to CPL 2025, with their bowling attack already looking tournament-ready. For the Falcons, it’s back to the drawing board – particularly in the batting department – if they are to bounce back in their next fixture.
Brief Scores of Match 1 in CPL 2025
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons – 121 all out in 17.1 overs (Karima Gore 61 off 34, Fabian Allen 12 off 10; Waqar Salamkheil 4/22, Naseem Shah 2/20, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/28)
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – 125/4 in 15 overs (Alick Athanaze 37* off 28, Evin Lewis 25 off 13; Rahkeem Cornwall 2/19, AM Ghazanfar 1/26)
Result – Patriots won by 6 wickets with 30 balls remaining
Player of the Match – Waqar Salamkheil (Patriots)
Zainab Shafiq