Barbados Royals opened their Caribbean Premier League 2024 account with a fantastic nine-wicket victory over season debutants Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday.
The Royals were set a target of 146, and star batter Quinton de Kock scored a sensational 87 runs off 45 balls to kick-start his CPL 2024 campaign on a flourishing note. He was ably supported by both Rahkeem Cornwall and Shamarh Brooks during the chase. The three combined to take the Royals over the line with 27 balls to spare.
Falcons struggle to get runs
Skipper Rovman Powell won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Falcons got off to a shaky start and lost both their openers, Kofl James and Fakhar Zaman, in the powerplay. The situation continued to go downhill and they found themselves at 74/5 around the 10-over mark. However, the 17-year-old Jewel Andrews held onto his nerves and fought valiantly to take the Falcons to a respectable total. He scored 48 off 35 before being bowled by Obed McCoy, as Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended at 145/9 in 20 overs.
A solid bowling display
The Royals bowling department did a commendable job in keeping a solid Falcons’ line-up in check. Their disciplined bowling efforts ensured the Falcons found it hard to take charge of the game. McCoy picked three wickets, while Jason Holder and Maheesh Theekshana got two scalps each. Dunith Wellalage was impressive, as he gave away just 20 runs in his four overs and also took the wicket of Sam Billings. Naveen-ul-Haq also got a wicket to his name.
A fantastic powerplay
Chasing a comfortable total on a flat and firm surface, all that the Royals needed was a solid and steady partnership to see them through and that’s exactly what happened. De Kock and Cornwall came forth and dominated the powerplay. By the end of the first six overs, the scorecard read 76/0.
Consistent approach
Even after the loss of Cornwall’s wicket, who scored a solid 34 runs off 20 balls, the pace of the Royals brigade didn’t slow down. Brooks joined de Kock in the middle and continued to dominate the Falcons’ bowlers. De Kock eventually reached his half-century, and a commanding 69-run stand with Brooks ensured the Royals got their first win of CPL 2024.
The Royals are currently top of the table thanks to the superior NRR and will look to carry on this momentum onto the next fixture. They face St Kitts and Nevis Patriots next after a five-day break on September 6 at Warner Park in St Kitts.