The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons strengthened their position at the top of the Caribbean Premier League table with an eight-run victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders.

The Falcons posted 183 for four, powered by Hasan Nawaz’s 76 from 48 balls and an unbeaten 32 from captain Moeen Ali. Rahkeem Cornwall provided an explosive start, striking five fours in a seven-ball knock of 20.

Nawaz and Moeen shared a 108-run fourth-wicket partnership from 61 deliveries. Nawaz’s innings featured nine fours and three sixes.

Cornwall then starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 17 runs as the Knight Riders were restricted to 175 for seven.

He dismissed Colin Munro and Sunil Narine within three deliveries before removing Nicholas Pooran for 22, leaving TKR struggling at 63 for four after the powerplay.

Kieron Pollard and Joshua Da Silva revived the chase with a 55-run partnership. Pollard, who appeared to be battling an injury, made 41 from 36 balls before Jayden Seales took a diving catch at deep midwicket.

Pollard received a standing ovation as he left the field, raising speculation that it may have been his final home appearance after a 13-year CPL career.

Da Silva finished unbeaten on 54, hitting two sixes and a four from the final three deliveries, but TKR still fell eight runs short.

The defeat was TKR’s third in succession and sixth in eight matches, leaving the defending champions on the brink of elimination.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Falcons Beat Knight Riders by Eight Runs to Extend CPL Lead.