Imad Wasim shines as Falcons claim narrow win over Knight Riders

Captain Imad Wasim guided Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to an eight-run win against Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound.

Batting first, the Falcons posted 167-6 in 20 overs, powered by a vital 69-run stand for the sixth wicket between Imad Wasim and Fabian Allen.

Allen played a blazing knock of 45 off 20 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes, while Wasim added 39 off 27 deliveries with one four and two sixes. Opener Jewel Andrew chipped in with 22 from 25 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to convert their starts.

For the Knight Riders, spinner Usman Tariq picked up 2-37 in his four overs, while Nathan Edward also claimed two wickets. Mohammad Amir and Akeal Hosein bagged one each.

In reply, Knight Riders fell short, finishing at 159-6 despite strong contributions from Colin Munro and Kieron Pollard.

Munro set the tone with a blistering 44 off 18 balls, which included eight fours and a six. Pollard fought till the end with an unbeaten 43 off 28 deliveries, hitting three fours and four sixes. Keacy Carty also added 35 off 31 balls, but the middle and lower order could not capitalize.

Obed McCoy starred with the ball for the Falcons, taking 4-39 in his four overs. Rahkeem Cornwall and Shakib Al Hasan supported him well with one wicket each, sealing a hard-fought win.

With this result, the Imad Wasim-led Falcons now sit at the top of the table with two wins, one loss, and one no-result from their four matches. They have five points with a net run rate of -0.535.