With the 2025 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) advancing into the playoffs, early on Wednesday, September 17 (IST), Trinbago Knight Riders defeated Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by nine wickets at the providence Stadium in Guyana. Coming into the Eliminator after finishing third on the points table, the Nicholas Pooran-led side once again realised fans of their firepower as they chased the 167-run target in 17.3 overs.
For the unversed, the Knight Riders won the toss and invited the fourth-placed Antigua and Barbuda falcons to bat first. On the back of a 55-run knock from wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo and a 45-ball 61 from Andries Gous, the Imad Wasim-led side posted 166 runs in their 20 overs. For TKR, Saurabh Netravalkar was the star
as he picked up three wickets whereas Usman Tariq and Andre Russell returned with two wickets apiece.
Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 90 guides TKR to Qualifier 2; to face loser Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors
In reply to the 166 from Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the Trinbago Knight Riders opened with a decent start, stitching 25-run stand for the first wicket. Colin Munro fell early to Rahkeem Cornwall, but the Knight Riders had their eyes set on the target. Despite an early jolt, Alex Hales and Nicholas Pooran unleashed their hitting prowess and they helped the side chase the total inside 18 overs.
While the England batter scored unbeaten 54 off 40 deliveries, with his innings being laced with three fours and as many sixes, skipper Nicholas Pooran was simply at his best. The former West Indies international scored unbeaten 90 off 53 deliveries. His innings was laced with 11 boundaries - three fours and eight sixes, striking at 169.81.
With a comfortable win on Wednesday, the Knight Riders will next face the loser of Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Qualifier 1 clash, scheduled to be played on September 20 (IST) at the Providence Stadium, whereas the winner of the game will directly book a berth in the final.
