Trinbago Knight Riders Defeat Falcons by 9 Wickets in CPL 2025 Eliminator
The Trinbago Knight Riders kept their Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League campaign alive with a dominant nine-wicket win over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the Eliminator on September 17, 2025.
The Falcons looked well set after a 108-run partnership between Andries Gous and Amir Jangoo, but their innings unraveled in the final overs. From 129 for 1 with just four overs remaining, they collapsed to finish on 161 for 8. Usman Tariq was instrumental in shifting momentum, taking both set batters in the space of two deliveries and ending with an impressive 2 for 19 from his four overs. Andre Russell and Saurabh Netravalkar also struck late to restrict the Falcons, who would have been disappointed not to post a stronger target after such a strong foundation.
The Knight Riders’ reply started shakily when Colin Munro, their leading run scorer this season, fell early to Rahkeem Cornwall. But any hopes the Falcons had of defending their total were quickly dashed as Alex Hales and Nicholas Pooran took charge. The pair played with control and authority, dismantling the bowling attack and ensuring the required rate was never a factor.
Pooran led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 90, while Hales supported him with 54 not out. Together, they put on an unbroken 143-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding their side to victory with ease. By the halfway stage of the chase, the equation was already reduced to just over a run a ball, leaving the Falcons with no answers.
For the Falcons, this marks the end of their campaign, though they can take pride in reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. For the Knight Riders, this convincing win is a timely boost after three straight losses. They now advance to face the loser of the Qualifier 1 between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
