The Trinbago Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, have secured a place in Qualifier 2 of the CPL 2025, following a resounding victory in the Eliminator. They outplayed the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, winning by 9 wickets with 15 balls to spare. The Knight Riders’ captain delivered a match-winning performance, showcasing a powerful half-century with 11 boundaries and sixes. Alex Hales, a former England player, contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Nicholas Pooran’s Explosive Batting Display
Nicholas Pooran, the Trinbago Knight Riders’ captain who retired from international cricket at age 29, demonstrated impressive batting skills against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Eliminator. Chasing a target of 167 runs, Pooran and Alex Hales built an unbeaten second-wicket partnership, scoring 143 runs off 86 balls, and securing a victory for the team in 17.3 overs.
Pooran’s explosive innings comprised 8 sixes and 3 fours, resulting in an undefeated 90 runs from 53 balls. Hales contributed an unbeaten 54 runs from 40 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes. Colin Munro was the sole Knight Riders batsman to be dismissed, scoring 14 runs before being dismissed by Rahkeem Cornwall. After Munro’s departure, Pooran and Hales steered the team to a comfortable victory. The loss ended the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ participation in this season.
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ Tournament Exit
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ CPL 2025 journey concluded after they were defeated by the Knight Riders in the Eliminator. The Falcons batted first and scored 166 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Openers Amir Jangoo and Andre Gous batted well, but the team faltered after their dismissals.
Amir Jangoo scored 55 runs from 49 balls, with 3 fours and 3 sixes. Andre Gous made 61 runs off 45 balls, featuring 5 fours and 3 sixes. Shakib Al Hasan, the all-rounder, remained not out with 26 runs from 9 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six. Captain Imad Wasim was dismissed for only one run. Saurabh Netravalkar took the most wickets for the Knight Riders with 3. Usman Tariq and Andre Russell each took 2 wickets, and Sunil Narine took one wicket.