In a thrilling ABF vs TKR match for CPL 2025, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (ABF) registered a thrilling last-over victory against Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in what could be remembered as one of the most intriguing finishes of the season.
With 14 required from the last over and Kieron Pollard at the wickets, the odds were in TKR’s favor, but Shamar Springer’s nerve-wracking bowling, supported by some earlier genius from Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy, flipped the script in the Falcons’ favor.
Drama in the Last Over: Springer Keeps His Cool
14 needed from 6 balls, and the Knight Riders were as good as done. One got Pollard on strike, but Springer bowled four dot balls consecutively, an extremely unusual task against one of the game’s most dreaded finishers.
Although Pollard got a four off the last ball, the damage had already been inflicted. Springer’s late-game heroics helped Antigua and Barbuda Falcons earn a vital victory and pushed them to the CPL 2025 points table’s top spot. We supported ourselves even when it seemed unlikely. It’s about standing your ground under pressure,” Springer stated after the game.
Knight Riders Let It Slip Despite Strong Start – ABF vs TKR, CPL 2025
TKR entered this ABF vs TKR encounter with momentum, having won their first game, and controlled a lot of play. They sent ABF back to 77 for 5 by the 14th over, all top-order danger dismissed. All bowlers made their contributions. Sunil Narine was economical with 4-0-17-0, while others took the wickets. The tide started changing with Fabian Allen entering the ground.
Fabian Allen and Imad Wasim Lead Falcon Fightback
With the Falcons in deep trouble, Fabian Allen launched a counterattack, smashing 45 off just 20 balls, including a six off only his second delivery. Partnering with the composed Imad Wasim (39* off 27), the duo turned the innings around.
Overs 15 to 17 produced 54 runs, largely due to Allen’s big-hitting. Although Allen was dismissed by Mohammad Amir, who recorded his 400th T20 wicket, the Falcons coasted along on late momentum, courtesy of Springer and Imad who added 18 runs off the last over to reach 167/7 a tally that appeared barely about par.
Colin Munro’s Blaze Gives Knight Riders Early Advantage
TKR’s pursuit started in commanding style. Colin Munro set the powerplay ablaze with a succession of boundaries 4, 4, 6, and another 4 all in a single over from Imad. As the third over came to a close, TKR stood at 47/0, with Alex Hales playing the support act. It seemed an easy run chase, but the Falcons had other ideas.
Read More
Obed McCoy Broke Momentum with Key Strikes
Just when TKR were sailing along, Obed McCoy came up with a match-changing fifth over, getting rid of both Hales and Munro. That over shattered Knight Riders’ momentum totally.
Between the 5th and 10th overs, TKR scored only 20 runs and lost Nicholas Pooran. The innings did not pick up after the 10th over, as wickets kept falling among them Darren Bravo, leaving TKR struggling at 83 for 4 after 13 overs, with a daunting required run rate over 12.
Pollard Almost Does It But Falls Short
Even though the collapse, Keacy Carty and Pollard attempted to revive the innings. A 16-run 14th over provided hope, but the chase hit a bottleneck once again.
McCoy then bowled a spectacular yet penultimate over, which Pollard smashed for 3 sixes and a four, bringing the equation down to 14 runs required from the last 6 balls.
But a composed finish from Springer slammed the door shut on TKR, and they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in spectacular fashion.
ALSO READ: NSC vs LS: Crawley, Rashid Shine As Northern Superchargers Overwhelm London Spirit
