By Zaya Williams

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons secured their first-ever win in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a dramatic victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders. The match, held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, saw the Falcons achieve a six-run triumph in the final over, keeping their tournament hopes alive.

Batting first, the Falcons set a challenging target of 176-6. Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves laid a solid foundation with a 65-run opening partnership. Imad Wasim contributed a quick 46 off 29 balls, while Fabian Allen added an explosive 25 not out from just 11 deliveries to push the total.

In response, the Knight Riders were dealt an early blow as Sunil Narine, who had excelled with the ball, was dismissed for a duck. Fabian Allen, named Player of the Match, played a crucial role with both bat and ball. In a pivotal 10th over, he removed Shaqkere Parris for 31 and then took a spectacular return catch to dismiss Nicholas Pooran.

Despite a late surge, the Knight Riders were held to 170-9, with the game coming down to the last over. They needed 14 runs to win, but Roshon Primus managed to maintain his composure. After conceding a boundary to Akeal Hosein, Primus dismissed Terrance Hinds and saw Hosein run out on the penultimate delivery, despite a brief mishap from wicketkeeper Sam Billings.

The final ball saw Waqar Salamkheil needing a six to tie the game and force a Super Over. However, he missed his attempt, allowing the Falcons to celebrate their maiden CPL victory.