Shakib wins last-minute battle in Caribbean League

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons secured a dramatic last-over win. Shakib Al Hasan's team defeated Barbados Royals by 4 wickets in the Caribbean Premier League.

The Falcons needed 12 runs in the last over to win in Bridgetown on Saturday night. Imad Wasim and Andreas Gauss were at the crease. Sherfane Rutherford took the ball for the Royals. Imad was out on the fifth ball of the first five balls of the over, but 10 runs were scored. The last ball required 2 runs. New batter Shamar Springer coolly scored that run to ensure a thrilling victory for the team.

However, Shakib could not shine like that with the bat. He was wicketless after conceding 33 runs in 3 overs with the ball. He came out at five and scored 12 runs off 15 balls. Despite scoring a half-century against St. Lucia Kings in the previous match, Shakib's bat remained silent today. Although the team is in third place among the six teams with 9 points from 9 matches, it keeps its play-off hopes alive.

Opener Brandon King was the brightest in Barbados' batting. He played a great innings of 98 not out off 65 balls. Quinton de Kock (27) and Rutherford (29) provided support. However, although the team's batting was good, Barbados suffered from fielding. Chris Green alone gave up four and Daniel Sams two easy catches.

Pakistani pacer Salman Irshad was excellent for the Falcons with the ball. He took 2 wickets for just 13 runs, and that is why he was named man of the match. The hero of the Falcons' victory with the bat was opener Andreas Gauss, who played a brilliant innings of 85 not out off 53 balls.

Barbados Royals: 187/4 in 20 overs (King 98*, Rutherford 29, de Kock 27; Salman 2/13).
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons: 188/6 in 20 overs (Gaws 85*, Wickham 26, Jangu 23; Sams 3/29).
Result: Falcons won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match: Salman Irshad (Falcons).