CPL 2025 Match Preview: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs Trinbago Knight Riders – Eliminator (September 17, 2025)

Date: September 17, 2025
Time: 05:30 AM GMT
Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
Format: Eliminator (T20)
League: Caribbean Premier League 2025

Match Overview

As the Caribbean Premier League 2025 reaches its climax, the Eliminator stage sets the stage for high-stakes, high-intensity encounters. One of the key fixtures on September 17 is the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons versus Trinbago Knight Riders clash at the Providence Stadium, Guyana. This match will determine who advances to the Qualifier and who must face the Qualifier 2 match, making it a crucial game for both teams.

Team Insights

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR)

TKR is one of the most successful franchises in CPL history and comes into this Eliminator with a mix of experience and firepower. Having bolstered their squad with the inclusion of Mohammad Amir, one of the most consistent fast bowlers in the world, TKR will rely heavily on their pace battery to dismantle the Falcons' batting lineup.

Their top-order, led by Darren Samuels and Brandon King, has been in good form throughout the league stage, and the addition of Shai Hope in the middle order adds a new dimension to their batting. The spin department, with Ravi Rampaul and Akeal Hosein, should also be a key asset, especially if the pitch offers some assistance.

TKR have shown a strong ability to chase down totals in the latter stages of the tournament, and with their captain Sunil Narine in excellent form, they are a formidable force.

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons

As a relatively new entrant to the CPL, the Falcons have made a strong impression this season. Under the leadership of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, they have played with flair and consistency. High-profile signings like Shakib Al Hasan and Imad Wasim have brought international class and experience to the squad.

The Falcons' batting line-up is deep and versatile, with Shakib anchoring the middle order and Chanderpaul adding stability at the top. Their bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, has been one of the most dangerous in the tournament, capable of breaking partnerships at critical moments.

The team has also shown resilience in tight matches, and their ability to adapt to conditions will be key in this high-pressure Eliminator.

Head-to-Head

In their previous meetings during the group stage, the two teams played twice:

• August 20, 2025: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs Trinbago Knight Riders – Falcons won by 6 wickets.
• August 27, 2025: Trinbago Knight Riders vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons – TKR won by 42 runs.

The teams are evenly matched, and both have the capability to win on their day. The venue, Providence Stadium, has historically favored aggressive batting, which could play into the hands of the Falcons' deep batting line-up.

Pitch Report

Providence Stadium is a high-scoring venue, with the average first-innings score in recent CPL matches hovering around 180+. The pitch is generally flat and offers good carry, making it ideal for explosive batting. However, the late swing and occasional reverse swing can be exploited by skilful fast bowlers, which could be a factor in this match.

Probable Playing XI

Trinbago Knight Riders

1. Darren Samuels (wk)
2. Brandon King
3. Shai Hope
4. Sunil Narine (c)
5. Evin Lewis
6. Akeal Hosein
7. Mohammad Amir
8. Ravi Rampaul
9. Hayden Walsh Jr.
10. Hayden Hinze
11. Alzarri Joseph (if required)

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons

1. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (c & wk)
2. Imad Wasim
3. Shakib Al Hasan
4. Kyle Hope
5. Akeem Sama
6. Rashid Khan
7. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
8. Tino Best
9. Rahkeem Cornwall
10. Alistair Dunn
11. Jomel Warrican (if required)

Fantasy & Key Player Tips

• Top Batsman to Watch:

  • Shakib Al Hasan (Falcons) – Provides all-round value with the bat and occasional off-spin.
  • Sunil Narine (TKR) – A consistent run-scorer and match-winner with his all-round skills.

• Top Bowler to Watch:

  • Rashid Khan (Falcons) – One of the best T20 spinners in the world.
  • Mohammad Amir (TKR) – Offers late swing and can be devastating in the death overs.

• Wicketkeeper to Watch:

  • Darren Samuels (TKR) – Strong in the middle and aggressive with the bat.

• All-Rounder to Watch:

  • Imad Wasim (Falcons) – A valuable all-rounder with a solid middle-order presence.

Match Prediction

This will be a tightly contested match, with both teams having the firepower to win. However, Trinbago Knight Riders’ experience in high-pressure games and their balanced squad may give them the edge. If Mohammad Amir and Hayden Walsh Jr. can restrict the Falcons' batting, and Sunil Narine can finish the chase, TKR could emerge victorious.

Prediction: Trinbago Knight Riders to win by 6-8 runs

Toss Forecast

Given the nature of the pitch, the toss is likely to be a key factor. The team winning the toss might choose to bat first to capitalize on the flat surface and post a competitive total.

Conclusion

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs Trinbago Knight Riders match on September 17, 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter in the CPL Eliminator. With both teams having strong all-rounders and high-quality bowling units, it's a match that could swing on the smallest of margins. Cricket fans around the world can look forward to a captivating display of T20 cricket at the Providence Stadium.
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