Cricholic
Patriots began their CPL 2025 campaign with a commanding performance. They chased down Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ 121-run target in just 15 overs. As a result, they secured a comfortable six-wicket victory, leaving the Falcons struggling throughout the match.
🌀 Bowlers Dominate – Salamkheil Spins a Web
From the start, Patriots’ bowlers made their presence felt. Kyle Mayers, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naseem Shah struck early, reducing the Falcons to 39/3 inside the PowerPlay. Consequently, the visitors were forced onto the back foot.
Karima Gore tried to counterattack. However, he was the only batter to show resistance, scoring 61 runs, which accounted for half of the Falcons’ total. Meanwhile, the next highest score was only 12 from Fabian Allen.
In the eighth over, Waqar Salamkheil broke the stand by dismissing Allen. Then, Farooqi removed Gore in the 12th over. Later, Salamkheil delivered a double-wicket over, sending Shakib Al Hasan and Odean Smith back in quick succession. Consequently, the Falcons were 102/7, struggling to post a competitive total.
Obed McCoy added an unbeaten 10 to push the total past 120. Finally, Naseem Shah cleaned up the tail in the 18th over. Overall, Salamkheil’s 4/22 proved decisive, highlighting the importance of spin on Warner Park’s pitch.
Meanwhile, the Falcons’ inability to build partnerships ultimately cost them, as they never recovered from the early collapse. On the other hand, the Patriots were confident going into their chase.
💥 Patriots Batting – Lewis and Athanaze Take Charge
Chasing 122, the Patriots started aggressively. Evin Lewis attacked Jayden Seales in the second over with two massive sixes, one of which went 98 metres. Then, he hit four crisp boundaries off Allah Ghazanfar. However, Lewis fell for 25 to McCoy, slightly slowing the momentum.
Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers stepped up next, keeping the run rate high with quick singles and boundaries. By the end of the PowerPlay, the Patriots had reached 55/1, setting a solid platform.
Rakheem Cornwall briefly dented the chase, picking up two quick wickets in the seventh over. As a result, Patriots slipped to 76/4 after 10 overs. Despite this, the chase remained under control.
Alick Athanaze then took charge in the latter half of the innings. He rotated strike efficiently, punished loose deliveries, and kept the scoreboard ticking. Consequently, he scored an unbeaten 37 off 28 balls and guided Patriots home. Finally, a boundary in the 15th over sealed the victory.
📊 Brief Scores
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons – 121 in 17.1 overs (Karima Gore 61; Waqar Salamkheil 4-22)
St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots – 125/4 in 15 overs (Alick Athanaze 37*, Evin Lewis 25; Rakheem Cornwall 2-19)
🏆 Result: Patriots won by 6 wickets
📌 Key Takeaways
- Patriots’ bowling attack was sharp and balanced.
- Salamkheil’s 4-wicket haul broke the Falcons’ middle order early.
- Gore was the only Falcon who posed a real threat.
- Patriots’ batting depth and composure ensured a smooth chase.
- Early PowerPlay wickets and smart shot selection were crucial to the win.
- Overall, the team showed why they are serious contenders in CPL 2025.
