The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons came within one boundary of securing back-to-back victories in the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, falling four runs short against the Saint Lucia Kings in another dramatic final-over contest at the Arnos Vale Stadium on Sunday night.
Chasing 188 for victory, the Falcons reached 183 for seven from their 20 overs after the Kings posted 187 for eight. The result leaves the Falcons with one win from their opening two matches of the season.
Falcons captain Fabian Allen praised his team’s determination and said the narrow defeat would provide valuable lessons as the tournament continues.
“Tobe honest, I thought we had the game, but we just did not get over the line,” Allen said.“Credit to Saint Lucia and the way they batted; they put us under pressure. Our boys fought to the end, and I always believe until the final delivery. We will go back, refresh our minds and come ready for the next game.”
The Falcons delivered another energetic performance in the field, holding six catches as the Kings attempted to build momentum throughout their innings.
Alzarri Joseph continued his impressive start to the tournament, leading the Falcons’ bowling attack with three wickets for 32 runs off four overs. Joseph removed Kings captain Roston Chase, Darron Nedd and Matthew Forde, recording his second consecutive three-wicket haul of the season.
Shamar Springer also played a key role with the ball, dismissing the dangerous Andries Gous for 82 and removing Joshua Bishop three deliveries later. He finished with two wickets for 39 runs.
Rahkeem Cornwall reached a significant personal milestone by bowling Ackeem Auguste to claim his 50th CPL wicket. Cornwall conceded just four runs in his only over.
The Falcons had initially placed the Kings under pressure after reducing them to 162 for eight in the 19th over. However, an unbeaten 25-run partnership between McKenny Clarke and Shadley van Schalkwyk helped the Kings reach 187 for eight.
Cornwall then launched the Falcons’ chase with a blistering 27 from just 13 deliveries, striking two fours and three sixes. His explosive cameo helped the Falcons race to 36 before he was dismissed in the fourth over.
Evin Lewis and Tim Robinson kept the Falcons firmly in contention with a 56-run partnership for the second wicket. Robinson contributed 30 from 20 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes, while Lewis struck an impressive 48 from 24 balls, with two fours and five sixes.
The Falcons reached 65 during the powerplay and were well positioned at 109 for two after 10 overs. However, the Kings successfully applied pressure during the middle overs, with captain Roston Chase claiming two wickets for just 18 runs from his four overs.
Allen mounted a determined late charge, striking an unbeaten 28 from 17 deliveries. He and Jahmar Hamilton added 36 runs as the Falcons pushed the contest into the final over.
Needing 13 runs from the final six deliveries, the Falcons continued to fight. Springer struck a boundary from his first delivery to leave five runs required from the last ball, but he was caught attempting to clear the boundary as the Kings held on for the narrow victory.
Despite the result, the Falcons leave St Vincent with two highly competitive performances, including their opening-night victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen and a second consecutive match decided on the final delivery.
The Falcons will have an early opportunity to respond when they meet the Saint Lucia Kings again on Friday, 14 August, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Saint Lucia.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Falcons Fight to the Final Ball in Narrow Loss to Kings.