Last-Ball Drama as Antigua Falcons Edge Barbados Royals

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons pulled off a heart-stopping four-wicket victory over the Barbados Royals, sealing the win off the very last ball in a high-scoring Caribbean Premier League clash. Chasing 188, the Falcons needed 12 runs from the final over and two from the last delivery a target they met in thrilling fashion to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Royals, batting first at Kensington Oval, got off to a flying start. Openers Brandon King and Quinton de Kock piled on 91 runs before de Kock fell for a measured 27 off 28 balls. King then found an aggressive partner in Sherfane Rutherford, adding 73 runs for the second wicket. Rutherford’s quickfire 29 from 17 balls kept the momentum going, but a mini-collapse saw Rovman Powell (3) and Rassie van der Dussen (0) depart in quick succession. Chris Green’s late cameo of 16 from six balls added valuable runs, but King was left stranded on 98 not out, his innings laced with six fours and seven sixes, as the Royals posted 187 for 4.

For the Falcons, Salman Irshad was the standout bowler, delivering a miserly spell of 2 for 13 from four overs. Shakib Al Hasan, however, endured a quiet outing with the ball, conceding 33 runs in his three overs without taking a wicket.

In reply, the Falcons’ chase was anchored by American wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous, who remained unbeaten on 85 from 53 balls, striking five fours and four sixes. He shared a brisk opening stand with Amir Jangoo (23 off 14), but quick wickets, including Karima Gore for a duck, threatened to derail the innings. Cameos from Kevin Wickham (26 off 21), Imad Wasim (17 off 11), and Shakib (15 off 12) kept the scoreboard moving.

With the match hanging in the balance, Gous found himself off strike for the final delivery, leaving Shamar Springer to face the decisive ball. Springer held his nerve, driving down the ground and sprinting back for the winning second run, sparking jubilant celebrations.

The win lifts Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to third place on the table with nine points from nine matches, while the Royals remain winless and rooted to the bottom. The top two spots are currently held by St Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders, both on 12 points from eight games.