By Anas Ahmed 
The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) gave their home fans plenty to cheer about as they registered a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the 14th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 at the Queen’s Park Oval. A perfect blend of incisive bowling and steady batting allowed TKR to cruise into second place on the points table.
Amir’s Double-Wicket Maiden Sets the Tone
The night belonged to Mohammad Amir, who struck with the very first over of the contest. The Pakistani left-arm seamer delivered a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing big-hitters Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore without scoring. His new-ball brilliance rattled the Falcons, who slumped to 71/6 in a dramatic collapse that included a second double-wicket maiden, this time from Andre Russell, who conceded no runs while dismissing two batters.
Just when it seemed like the visitors would fold cheaply, the Pakistani pair of Imad Wasim and Usama Mir stitched together a much-needed 64-run stand, helping their side recover to a competitive 146/7. Imad’s gritty knock was crucial, but his exit from the field with an injury added a worrying dimension for the Falcons.
Hales and Carty Deliver with the Bat
Chasing 147, TKR started steadily despite the early loss of Colin Munro. The momentum quickly swung in their favor thanks to a fluent partnership between Alex Hales and Kacey Carty, who put on 87 runs for the second wicket.
Hales looked calm and composed, bringing up his fifty from 44 balls, while Carty showcased his growing reputation in CPL with a smartly paced 60 off 45 deliveries. Although Carty’s dismissal briefly gave the Falcons hope, TKR were already firmly in control.
Skipper Nicholas Pooran applied the finishing touches in style, smashing a towering six to seal victory with eight balls to spare.
Player of the Match – Mohammad Amir
For his outstanding spell of 3/22, Mohammad Amir was adjudged Player of the Match. His early breakthroughs left the Falcons reeling and set the foundation for a comfortable chase.
Brief Scores
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons – 146/7 (20 overs) Jewel Andrew 40 (31), Imad Wasim 37* (25); Mohammad Amir 3/22 (4), Andre Russell 2/23 (4)
Trinbago Knight Riders – 152/2 (18.4 overs) Keacy Carty 60 (45), Alex Hales 55* (46); Shakib Al Hasan 1/25 (4), Jayden Seales 1/35 (3.4)
Result: Trinbago Knight Riders won by 8 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Mohammad Amir (3/22)
What This Means
The win propels Trinbago Knight Riders to second place in the CPL 2025 standings as they begin their home leg strongly. For the Falcons, concerns over captain Imad Wasim’s fitness could significantly impact their campaign moving forward.
Zainab Shafiq