Shakib’s Exceptional Performance Leads Falcons to Victory

The eleventh match of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) delivered a thrilling encounter between the Antigua & Barbados Falcons and the Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 24th. Playing on their home turf, the Falcons secured a nail-biting victory, chasing down the Patriots’ total of 133/9 with just two balls to spare. The match was characterized by tight bowling, electrifying fielding, and a tense chase that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Falcons, opting to bowl first after winning the toss, showcased a disciplined bowling performance combined with exceptional fielding. Jayden Seales set the tone with an economical spell of 1/20 in his four overs, consistently putting pressure on the Patriots’ batsmen. The highlight of the innings, however, was Shakib Al Hasan’s historic achievement. He became the first player in T20 history to achieve the double of 500 wickets and 7000 runs, claiming three wickets in the match. His 500th wicket was none other than Mohammed Rizwan, caught and bowled by Shakib in his trademark nonchalant style. This stellar all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. The Patriots’ innings was further hampered by three run-outs in the final over, contributing to their below-par total.

Despite setting a modest target, the Patriots fought back strongly with the ball, making the Falcons work hard for every run. The chase turned into a tense affair, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final over. Karima Gore emerged as the hero for the Falcons, anchoring the chase with a crucial half-century, his third of the tournament. His composed innings under pressure proved decisive, guiding his team towards victory.

The climax arrived in the final over, bowled by Jason Holder, with the Falcons needing just three runs to win. The atmosphere was electric as Gore faced Holder. With the pressure mounting, Gore smashed a four down the ground, a shot that pierced the outstretched hands of the fielder at mid-on, sealing a thrilling victory for the jubilant home crowd. The win cemented the Falcons’ position at the top of the CPL table, extending their lead to three points over the second-placed Guyana Amazon Warriors, although the Falcons have played six matches compared to the Warriors’ two.

For the Patriots, the defeat was a setback, compounded by injury concerns within their squad. The mid-table position and the looming injury worries present a challenge for captain Jason Holder and his team as the tournament progresses. They will need to address these issues and regroup quickly to remain competitive in the remaining matches.

This match underscored the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even a seemingly modest total can be fiercely defended. The Falcons’ disciplined bowling and energetic fielding restricted the Patriots, while Gore’s calm and collected batting performance under pressure steered his team to victory. Shakib Al Hasan’s historic achievement added another layer of significance to the match, further highlighting his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in T20 history. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the Falcons solidifying their top spot and the Patriots grappling with injuries and a mid-table position, set the stage for an exciting and competitive remainder of the CPL season. The close finish and the dramatic moments throughout the game showcased the thrilling nature of the tournament, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the matches to come.