Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ perfect record against Trinbago Knight Riders came to an end on Wednesday night at Tarouba, as they fell to an eight-wicket defeat that saw the home team break their losing streak in this head-to-head matchup.

The table-topping Falcons, who had previously dominated this fixture with three consecutive victories, found themselves outplayed in all departments.

The Falcons’ batting lineup crumbled early after being sent in to bat, with Mohammad Amir delivering a devastating opening spell that left the visitors reeling at 2 wickets down within the first over. Both Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore were trapped leg-before-wicket as Amir struck twice in his opening six deliveries.

Despite a recovery effort led by Jewel Andrew (40 off 31 balls) and Andries Gous, the Falcons never truly recovered from their disastrous start. The middle order provided little resistance, with Akeal Hosein and Andre Russell combining to dismantle the batting order.

A late-innings partnership between captain Imad Wasim (37 not out) and Usama Mir (34) helped push the total to 146/7, but it proved insufficient against a determined Knight Riders chase.

The home team’s pursuit of 147 was anchored by a match-winning 87-run partnership between Alex Hales and Keacy Carty for the second wicket. The duo took their time over 73 deliveries, methodically building their innings without ever appearing under pressure.

Carty reached his half-century first, contributing 60 runs from 45 balls before becoming the second wicket to fall. Hales remained composed throughout, finishing unbeaten on 55 from 46 deliveries.

Captain Nicholas Pooran provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 23 from just 11 balls, sealing the victory with a massive six off Jayden Seales with eight balls remaining.

The result moves Knight Riders up to second place on the points table, directly behind the Falcons.