The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons delivered a thrilling victory that sent their home supporters into raptures, as the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium came alive with a sea of red, blue, black, white and yellow flags celebrating their dramatic eight-run triumph over Trinbago Knight Riders in Wednesday’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League encounter.

In a nail-biting finish that had the Antiguan faithful on the edge of their seats, the Falcons held their nerve when it mattered most. With TKR requiring 14 runs from the final six balls and the experienced Kieron Pollard looking dangerous at 43 not out, the match seemed to be slipping away from the hosts. However, fast bowler Shamar Springer produced a masterful final over, mixing up his pace and lengths to deny Pollard the boundaries he desperately needed, leaving the Knight Riders four runs short of their target.

The victory was particularly sweet for Falcons supporters, as it marked another positive result in their campaign. Having only suffered one defeat so far this season – their opening loss to St. Kitts – and with one fixture abandoned against St. Lucia, this triumph provided further momentum as they prepare for Friday’s clash against Guyana.

Earlier in the evening, after TKR captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers initially justified the decision by reducing the Falcons to a precarious 77-5 by the 14th over. However, a spectacular lower-order assault from Fabian Allen transformed the innings. The left-hander’s explosive 45 from just 20 balls, featuring three boundaries and an equal number of maximums, propelled the home side to a competitive 167-6.

The result sees the Falcons climb to the summit of the CPL standings.