Shakib shines but Antigua & Barbuda Falcons crash out of CPL

In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) eliminator match, Shakib Al Hasan once again showcased glimpses of his trademark batting brilliance. Coming in at the death, his explosive cameo rescued Antigua & Barbuda Falcons from an even more fragile total. However, his late fireworks weren’t enough as the Falcons were restricted to 166 before eventually crashing out, suffering a heavy 9-wicket defeat against Trinbago Knight Riders, who booked their place in Qualifier 2.

The day had begun on a shaky note for Antigua. Early wickets pushed them under pressure, but Amir Jangu and Andries Gous brought stability with a commanding partnership for the second wicket. The pair added more than a hundred runs, becoming the backbone of the innings. Jangu played a composed knock of 55 off 49 balls, while Gous was more aggressive, scoring 61 off 45 deliveries.

Once they departed, Antigua’s batting lineup collapsed like a house of cards. Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim, and Usama Mir all failed to reach double figures, and at one stage even crossing 150 looked improbable.

That’s when Shakib arrived at the crease in the 18th over and immediately shifted the momentum. Against Sunil Narine, he struck three consecutive fours and a six in a single over, smashing 18 runs. He continued his onslaught in the following overs and finished unbeaten on 26 off just 9 deliveries, giving his side a fighting total of 166 in 20 overs.

Other than the steady stand of Jangu and Gous, along with Shakib’s dazzling cameo, there was little to celebrate in Antigua’s innings.

In reply, Trinbago Knight Riders made light work of the chase, wrapping up the win in just 17.3 overs. Alex Hales struck 54 off 40, while Nicholas Pooran remained unbeaten with a scintillating 90 off 53 balls. Shakib, on the other hand, went wicketless, conceding 24 runs in his 3 overs.