The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 started with a thrilling game in Basseterre, where St Kitts and Nevis Patriots defeated Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by six wickets. The CPL 2025 Opening Match: Salamkheil Stars as Patriots Beat Falcons was low-scoring but full of action, as Afghan spinner Waqar Salamkheil produced a magical spell to guide his team to victory.

Falcons Struggle With the Bat

Patriots captain Jason Holder won the toss and decided to bowl first in CPL 2025 Opening Match, a move that worked perfectly for his team. His fast bowlers gave a fiery start with the new ball. Kyle Mayers, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naseem Shah all bowled with pace and discipline, putting the Falcons under huge pressure. Within just five overs, the scoreboard showed only 39 runs for the loss of three wickets.

But the real turning point came when left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil was introduced into the attack. Bowling with sharp spin and excellent control, he broke the backbone of the Falcons’ batting. On only his fourth ball, he clean-bowled Fabian Allen with a brilliant delivery that turned away sharply.

After that, he didn’t stop—Salamkheil went on to dismiss experienced stars like Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim, and Odean Smith. His spell was a masterclass in T20 spin bowling in CPL 2025 Opening Match, ending with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs.

The only batter who fought back for the Falcons was Karima Gore from the USA. He scored a brilliant 61 runs off 34 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. Unfortunately, he did not get enough support from the other end. Once Farooqi removed Gore in the 12th over, the Falcons’ chances of reaching a big total ended. The team was bowled out for 121 runs in CPL 2025 Opening Match.

Patriots’ Chase – Small Target, Small Stumble

Chasing 122 runs in CPL 2025 Opening Match, Waqar Salamkheil Stars as Patriots Beat Falcons, the Patriots had a quick start. Evin Lewis smashed 25 runs from just 13 balls before being dismissed by Obed McCoy. At the end of the powerplay, Patriots were in control with 55 runs for the loss of one wicket.

However, the game took a twist in the 7th over when Rahkeem Cornwall dismissed Kyle Mayers and Rilee Rossouw in quick succession. Suddenly, Patriots were 56 for 3, and the Falcons saw a small chance of making a comeback.

After the early wickets, the Patriots needed someone to bring stability to their chase, and that’s exactly what Andre Fletcher and Alick Athanaze did. The pair didn’t rush things and focused on building a partnership. Fletcher, known for his aggressive batting, played with unusual patience this time. He scored 19 runs off 26 balls, holding one end steady and giving Athanaze the confidence to play more freely.

Even though the scoring rate slowed down, the partnership was important because it took the pressure off the team after the shaky start. Eventually, Fletcher was dismissed by AM Ghazanfar, but by then the Patriots were already in a comfortable position, having crossed the 75-run mark. Athanaze remained solid at the crease, keeping the chase on track.

From that point, it was smooth sailing. Alick Athanaze remained unbeaten on 37 runs (28 balls), while captain Jason Holder added 18 runs in quick time. Together, they guided the Patriots to the target with five overs to spare.

Key Performers in CPL 2025 Opening Match:

• St Kitts and Nevis Patriots
  • Waqar Salamkheil: 4/22 (Match-winning spell)
  • Alick Athanaze: 37* (Guided the chase)
  • Evin Lewis: 25 (Quick start at the top)
• Antigua and Barbuda Falcons
  • Karima Gore: 61 (Lone fighter with the bat)
  • Rahkeem Cornwall: 2/19 (Created pressure with spin)

Conclusion

The CPL 2025 opening match showcased exciting cricket with bowlers dominating the game. Waqar Salamkheil’s four wickets were the turning point, ensuring the Falcons never posted a challenging score. Although the Patriots had a minor scare in their chase, Athanaze and Holder comfortably finished the job.

This win gave St Kitts and Nevis Patriots a perfect start to the tournament, while the Falcons will need to regroup quickly for their next clash.

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