The 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) kicked off in spectacular fashion as the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots claimed a thrilling last-ball victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The match, which marked the beginning of the tournament’s twelfth edition, set the tone for an exciting season ahead.
Patriots captain Andre Fletcher won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that paid off early when South African speedster Anrich Nortje bowled Falcons opener Teddy Bishop for just 1. The Falcons, however, fought back with a solid contribution from Fakhar Zaman, who smashed 43 off 32 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Kofi James provided steady support with 22 off 24.
One of the highlights of the Falcons’ innings was the spectacular boundary catch by Odean Smith, who showed exceptional skill and composure to dismiss England’s Sam Billings. Yet, it was the 17-year-old Jewel Andrew who stole the show, playing a mature and aggressive knock of 50 off just 30 balls, helping the Falcons set a competitive target of 163-4.
The chase was filled with tension as the Patriots battled through an ebb and flow of runs and wickets. Kyle Mayers, who was named Player of the Match, played a crucial innings of 39 off 24 balls, but his dismissal by Mohammad Amir in the 16th over left the Patriots at 133/6, needing 31 runs from the final four overs.
With the game heading down to the wire, it was Anrich Nortje who once again stepped up, this time with the bat. Facing Roshon Primus on the final delivery, Nortje held his nerve to secure the single needed for victory, giving the Patriots a dramatic last-ball win. This victory equaled the Patriots’ win tally from last year’s tournament after just one game, signaling a strong start to their 2024 campaign.
Reflecting on the victory, captain Andre Fletcher said, “I’m happy we won this game. I want us to be positive but at the same time, we have to be smart about it. Enjoy the cricket as much as possible, enjoy each other’s success and stick together as a team. Once we do that, we have the personnel to do well.”
Brief Scores:
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 163/4 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 43, Jewel Andrew 50*; Ashmaed Nedd 1/21)
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 164/9 in 20 overs (Kyle Mayers 39, Evin Lewis 29; Shamar Springer 4/29)
Result: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots won by 1 wicket.
Player of the Match: Kyle Mayers (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots)
The CPL 2024 is officially underway, and this nail-biting opener has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying five weeks of cricket. Stay tuned for more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.
