BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) -The 13th edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) kicked off thrillingly as the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots secured a convincing six-wicket victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in Basseterre on Thursday night.
Chasing a modest target of 122, the Patriots cruised home with 30 balls to spare, thanks to composed knocks from Alick Athanaze, who stroked 37 off 28 balls and skipper Jason Holder chipping in with a composed 18 off 14.
Holder’s decision to bowl first proved inspiring as the Patriots’ attack dismantled the Falcons’ batting lineup.
Only Karima Gore, with a dogged 61 off 34, offered resistance, notching his maiden T20 half-century after a shaky start.
However, the rest of the Falcons’ order crumbled on a tricky surface, managing just 121 all out.
Left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil was the standout performer, claiming 4-22 in his four overs to earn the Player of the Match honours.
He was well-supported by pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naseem Shah, who took two wickets apiece to keep the Falcons under constant pressure.
Despite Rahkeem Cornwall’s brief fightback with two wickets in an over, the Falcons’ total was never enough. Athanaze and Holder guided the Patriots home with five overs remaining, sealing a dominant start to their campaign.
Winning captain Holder was pleased that his charges had gotten off to a winning start in what is expected to be a fiercely contested CPL season.
“Today (Thursday), the bowlers were outstanding. When we look at the way we bowled up front in the power-play, we got wickets; the innings credit must go to Waqar. I thought Waqar was upstanding. He gave us four wickets, which is always crucial in T20 games. So happy with the way we’ve started.”