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By Samuel Peters
Karima Gore‘s unbeaten 64 guided the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to their maiden victory of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League season, defeating the Barbados Royals by six wickets with two balls remaining at North Sound.
The Barbados Royals posted 151 for six after being sent in to bat, with Quinton de Kock (57 off 45 balls) providing the foundation and captain Rovman Powell delivering the fireworks. Powell’s explosive unbeaten 51 came off just 24 deliveries, featuring five sixes and three fours at a strike rate of 212.50, transforming a modest total into a challenging target.
Jayden Seales was the standout bowler for the Falcons, claiming two for 15 from four overs with excellent control. Obed McCoy supported with two for 29, removing both de Kock and Daniel Sams at crucial moments.
Chasing 152, the Falcons lost early wickets but Gore anchored the innings with a composed performance. After Rahkeem Cornwall (10) and Jewel Andrew (28) departed, Gore found solid partnerships with Shakib Al Hasan (13) and captain Imad Wasim (16).
With 30 runs needed from the final 17 balls after Wasim’s run out, Gore kept his nerve alongside Fabian Allen (11 not out) to seal a memorable victory. His patient 64 came off 53 balls with three fours and two sixes, perfectly balancing aggression with game awareness.
Gore’s Player of the Match display was complemented by Seales earning Cricinfo MVP honors with 75.08 points. The Royals’ bowling attack struggled to apply sustained pressure, with Daniel Sams proving expensive at 45 runs from four overs despite claiming Cornwall’s wicket.
This breakthrough victory provides crucial momentum for the Falcons after a difficult tournament start losing their derby encounter against the SKN Patriots.
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