CPL 2025, Match 22 Review: Falcons inch towards playoffs with thrilling win over Royals

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons closed out a thrilling four wicket win over the Barbados Royals to inch closer to a first ever appearance in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) knockout stages. Andries Gous carried his bat to finish on 85 not out as the Falcons claimed victory with two runs from the final ball.

​Having won the toss, the Falcons elected to field first and this seemed to have backfired in the opening stages of the Royals’ innings as Brandon King flayed the ball to all parts of the Kensington Oval, much to the delight of the home fans. King was supported by 27 from Quinton de Kock and a quick fire 29 from Sherfane Rutherford.

King missed out on his hundred and ended the innings on 98 not out as he and Chris Green looked for runs rather than a milestone as the Royals set the Falcons 188 to win. The pick of the Falcons bowlers was Salman Irshad who claimed incredible figures of 2/13 off four overs on a very good batting surface. 

​There was a solid stand from Amir Jangoo and Gous for the Falcons before two quick wickets brought the Royals back into the game. If could have been many more Falcons batters heading back to the Sir Garfield Sobers pavilion, but several dropped catches stopped the Royals from capitalising on the chances they have created.

​There were cameos throughout the Falcons innings but nothing else as substantial as Gous’ innings. But he wasn’t on strike at the end with two needed from the last ball. Shamar Springer was the one given that responsibility and he hit the ball down the ground as the Falcons pair scrambled back for a second to leave the Royals still without their first win this season.