Antigua and Barbuda Falcons returned to winning ways in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, defeating the Barbados Tridents by 30 runs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Tridents suffered their first defeat of the competition after collapsing from 93 for three with the match finely poised in pursuit of 156. A devastating middle-order collapse saw them lose four wickets in the space of two overs before they were bowled out for 125, losing their final seven wickets for just 32 runs.
Moeen Ali led from the front for the Falcons with an unbeaten 56, while Joshua James claimed an impressive three for 18. A decisive spell from leg-spinner Shadab Khan in the 13th and 14th overs also played a key role in securing the victory.
Earlier, the Falcons were sent in and endured a disastrous start when Rahkeem Cornwall was bowled by a Daniel Sams yorker off the first ball of the match. Amir Jangoo and Karima Gore both got starts, but with no substantial partnership developing, the Tridents appeared to be in control and on course to restrict the Falcons to a modest total.
Ali, however, had other ideas.
The Falcons captain dramatically shifted the momentum, particularly during the final six overs. His 75-run partnership with Shamar Springer, who played an important supporting role, lifted the Falcons to a far more competitive total.
Ali then exploded in the final over, smashing three consecutive sixes off Sams as the Falcons surged to 155 for five, scoring 72 runs from the final 36 deliveries.
The Tridents’ reply began nervously when Shian Brathwaite was dropped from his first ball on T20 debut. He was unable to capitalise on the reprieve, however, and was dismissed for seven.
Quinton de Kock’s wicket, with Cornwall returning to the attack to make the breakthrough, brought Rivaldo Clarke and Kevlon Anderson together in what became a crucial partnership for the Tridents.
The pair settled in and appeared to be rebuilding the innings, but the match quickly turned. Anderson was well caught by Springer in the deep before Sherfane Rutherford fell to substitute fielder Anderson Phillip off the very next ball.
The double strike left the Tridents with two new batters at the crease and the innings quickly began to unravel.
Captain Chris Green attempted to steady the chase alongside compatriot Sams, but with the required run rate climbing to 12 an over, the task became increasingly difficult.
James then produced the game-changing spell that put the result beyond doubt before Sufyan Moqim wrapped up the innings by claiming the final two wickets in as many deliveries.
The victory capped the Falcons’ four-match home stint, with the Antigua and Barbuda-based franchise once again receiving strong support from its home crowd.
The Falcons now head to Warner Park to face the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Sunday. The Tridents, meanwhile, will contest the fourth match of their campaign on Friday against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval.
