CPL 2024 Match 8 Falcons vs TKR review: A dramatic victory for Falcons

In a thrilling game played to the very end, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons defeated Trinbago Knight Riders to win their first-ever Caribbean Premier League (CPL). At the fifth attempt, the Falcons took flight and won two points, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the tournament alive, in the eighth and final game of the campaign at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.

In the second part of the innings, Fabian Allen (25* off 11 balls) and Imad Wasim (46 off 29 balls) gave the batting some impetus after Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves put up 65 for the first wicket.

Sunil Narine battled after making an impression with the ball in hand and fell for a four-ball duck to start the Knight Riders' chase. Along with his excellent hitting, Player of the Match Fabian Allen also contributed crucial wickets. He knocked off Shaqkere Parris for 31 in a match-changing 10th over, and with the very next ball, he produced a lightning-fast reflex return catch to eliminate Nicholas Pooran.

Falcons vs TKR Match highlights:

With an achievable 14 runs needed off the final six deliveries, the Knight Riders had a chance to win both games after managing to push the game into the final over. On the opening ball of the last over, Roshon Primus was flicked for four by Akeal Hosein through midwicket, but he retained his composure for the Falcons. Hosein was run out off the penultimate ball of the match by Terrance Hinds, who chopped Primus onto his stumps despite Sam Billings' glove error when breaking the stumps.

Waqar Salamkheil needs to hit a six to tie the game and send it to a Super Over in this thrilling encounter that is down to the final ball. It was not meant to be. After attempting a lap, Salamkheil was unable to make contact, and the Falcons players swooped around Primus to celebrate their first victory.  

Following the Falcons' six-run triumph, Fabian Allen commented, "We were searching for that win and grateful we got it tonight. We were looking for 180, but we played good defence and 170-odd was good on this wicket. We appreciate the audience's unwavering support throughout.

Chris Green, the captain of the Falcons, was incredibly happy with his team's ability to remain true to themselves and defend their total. He said, "We've been struggling at home, and the last two games didn't show our best side. I'm ecstatic for my squad and the supporters. We still need to play this aggressive, upbeat style of cricket. I believe we demonstrated our abilities to ourselves. Nothing has to be altered."

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