MOEEN, BOWLERS HELP FALCONS TOPPLE TRIDENTS
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons returned to winning ways in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), defeating the Barbados Tridents by 30 runs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Tridents suffered their first defeat of the competition after collapsing from 93 for 3, with the match finely balanced in their chase of 156. A devastating middle-order collapse saw them lose four wickets in two overs, before eventually being bowled out for 125, losing their final seven wickets for just 32 runs.
Moeen Ali led from the front for the Falcons with an unbeaten 56, before Joshua James’ impressive 3 for 18 and a decisive spell from leggie Shadab Khan in the 13th and 14th overs effectively secured the victory.
Earlier, the Falcons were sent in and endured a disastrous start, with Rahkeem Cornwall bowled first ball of the match by a Daniel Sams yorker. Amir Jangoo and Karima Gore both made starts, but without a substantial partnership developing, the Tridents appeared to be in control and on course to restrict the Falcons to around 120.
Ali, however, had other ideas.
The Falcons captain shifted the momentum dramatically, particularly during the final six overs. His 75-run partnership with Shamar Springer, who played an important supporting role, gave the Falcons a much more defendable total.
Ali then exploded in the final over, smashing three consecutive sixes off Sams to take the Falcons to 155 for 5, with 72 runs coming from the final 36 balls.
The Tridents’ chase got off to a nervy start when Shian Brathwaite was dropped with his first ball on T20 debut. He was unable to make the most of his reprieve, however, departing for just seven.
Quinton de Kock’s dismissal, with Cornwall returning to the attack to claim the big wicket, brought Rivaldo Clarke and Kevlon Anderson together in what became a crucial partnership for the Tridents.
The pair settled in and appeared to be rebuilding the chase, but the game quickly turned. Anderson was well caught by Springer in the deep before Sherfane Rutherford fell to substitute fielder Anderson Phillip off the very next ball.
The sudden double blow left the Tridents with new batters at the crease and the innings began to unravel rapidly.
Captain Chris Green attempted to steady the ship alongside countryman Sams, but with the required rate climbing to 12 an over, the task became increasingly difficult.
James then produced the game-changing spell to put the result beyond doubt, before Sufyan Moqim wrapped up the innings by claiming the final two wickets in just two deliveries.
The victory capped the Falcons’ four-match home leg, with the Antigua and Barbuda-based side once again receiving strong support from the home crowd. The Falcons now return to the road to face the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park on Sunday. The Tridents will play their fourth match of their campaign on Friday against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders at the Queen’s Park Oval.
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