The Trinbago Knight Riders, representing Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, advanced to Qualifier 2 of the CPL 2025 after a convincing win in the Eliminator. They defeated the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by 9 wickets with 15 balls remaining. The Knight Riders’ captain, who had previously retired from international cricket, delivered an outstanding performance, highlighted by a sensational half-century that included 11 boundaries and sixes. Alex Hales, formerly of England, provided excellent support, contributing to the team’s victory.
Nicholas Pooran’s Remarkable Batting
Nicholas Pooran, the captain of the Trinbago Knight Riders, who retired from international cricket at the age of 29, displayed exceptional batting against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Eliminator. The team chased a target of 167 runs. Pooran and Alex Hales formed an unbroken partnership of 143 runs in 86 balls for the second wicket, leading their team to victory in 17.3 overs.
Pooran’s explosive innings included 8 sixes and 3 fours, resulting in an unbeaten 90 runs off 53 deliveries. Hales contributed with an unbeaten 54 runs from 40 balls, comprising 3 fours and 3 sixes. Colin Munro was the only Knight Riders batsman to be dismissed, scoring 14 runs before being caught by Rahkeem Cornwall. Following Munro’s dismissal, Pooran and Hales ensured no further setbacks for the team. This defeat eliminated the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons from the tournament.
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: Tournament Conclusion
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ journey in the CPL 2025 concluded after their loss to the Knight Riders in the Eliminator. The Falcons batted first and scored 166 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Openers Amir Jangoo and Andre Gous played well, but the team struggled after their dismissals.
Amir Jangoo scored 55 runs off 49 balls, hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes. Andre Gous made 61 runs off 45 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. Shakib Al Hasan remained not out, scoring 26 runs from 9 balls with 4 fours and 1 six. Captain Imad Wasim was out for only one run. For the Knight Riders, Saurabh Netravalkar took the most wickets with 3. Usman Tariq and Andre Russell took 2 wickets each, while Sunil Narine claimed one wicket.