Karima Gore Aces the Chase as Antigua Open Account

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons opened their account in CPL 2025 with a tight win over Barbados Royals in Antigua on Saturday (August 16).

First Innings

Barbados Royals struggled on a two-paced surface, finishing with just 31 in the powerplay. Quinton de Kock finally teed off, hitting a six and successive fours. Rovman Powell's entry proved massive, hammering two sixes to help his team go past 100. De Kock brought up a valuable fifty, but was dismissed for 57. Powell unleashed himself in the final over, hitting the ball over the ropes thrice to bring up his fifty and power his side past the 150-run mark.

Second Innings

Falcons fared better in the powerplay, with Jewell Andrew laying the platform and Karima Gore being patient. After Jewell's dismissal, Royals could have pulled things back if not for two dropped catches. The game was tantalisingly poised heading into the final five overs as Falcons needed 53 from 30. Imad Wasim hit a four and a six in successive overs, adding to the Royals' frustration. Gore continued to bat deep into the chase, slamming Eathan Bosch for two sixes in two deliveries to completely turn the tide. With just 14 needed off 12, a six from Fabian Allen in the penultimate over aided Gore at the other end as the chase was completed with two balls to spare.

Brief Scores

• Barbados Royals: 151/6 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 57, Rovman Powell 51*; Jayden Seales 2/15)
• Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 152/4 in 19.4 overs (Karima Gore 64*; Jomel Warrican 1/20)