• Waqar Salamkheil’s masterful four-wicket haul dismantled the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ batting lineup and set the stage ablaze in CPL 2025 opening match.

  • St Kitts and Nevis Patriots chased strongly for a dominant six wicket win over Falcons.

Waqar Salamkheil’s 4-wicket burst powers Patriots to emphatic win over Falcons in CPL 2025 opener
Waqar Salamkheil’s 4-wicket burst powers SKN to emphatic win over ABF in CPL 2025 opener (Image source: X)

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Caribbean Premier League 2025 kicked off in electrifying fashion at Basseterre on August 14, with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots asserting their authority over the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the very first match. Batting first, the Falcons were put to the sword by a spirited Patriots bowling unit, headlined by the sensational left-arm wrist spin of Waqar Salamkheil. The result was an emphatic six-wicket victory for the hosts, achieved with five overs to spare, igniting celebrations among Patriots’ supporters and setting the tone for an action-packed CPL season.

Waqar Salamkheil’s spin web grounds Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by a four-wicket mauling

There’s something about opening nights and big players delivering under lights, and Salamkheil seized his moment brilliantly. Coming on after the initial breakthroughs, Salamkheil wasted no time weaving his spell, making the ball talk on a lively Basseterre surface. The Afghan spinner made key inroads just as the Falcons threatened to stage a recovery after early wickets.

Salamkheil’s first scalp was the dangerous Fabian Allen, clean bowled before he could impose himself. Next, the veteran Shakib Al Hasan was coaxed into a miscued shot, caught by Jason Holder. Salamkheil wasn’t done; he had Falcons captain Imad Wasim caught soon after and then ripped through Odean Smith for a duck. His variations and aggressive fields left the batting order rattled. Salamkheil’s figures—4 overs, 22 runs, 4 wickets—earned him Player of the Match, and rightly so. His spell not only broke the Falcons’ backbone but ensured the Patriots chased a far more manageable target than at one stage seemed likely, especially after Karima Gore’s 61 off 34 balls threatened to balloon the score.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots cruise to a statement win in CPL 2025 opener

In reply, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots wasted no time asserting their dominance. Openers Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher gave the chase early impetus, with Lewis smashing 25 off just 13 balls. Kyle Mayers provided a cameo, but it was Alick Athanaze’s composed 37* off 28 and Jason Holder’s fluent unbeaten 18 that guided the hosts to safety. Despite a few stutters during the middle overs, the Patriots always had the chase under control, rarely letting the required rate climb or pressure mount. The Patriots reached 125/4 in just 15 overs, sealing a comprehensive six-wicket victory with 30 deliveries left—an early statement of their intent for the tournament.

For the Falcons, Rahkeem Cornwall’s two wickets provided brief hope but could not stem the tide. Earlier, after Gore’s lone heroics (8 fours, 2 sixes), the batting simply crumbled under relentless pressure, falling from 95/4 to 121 all out within 17.1 overs, thanks largely to Salamkheil’s destruction.

Also READ: Caribbean Premier League: Complete Squads of all 6 teams for CPL 2025

Also READ: Caribbean Premier League: 5 players to watch out for from St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2025

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.