The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 kicked off with an electrifying match, where St Kitts and Nevis Patriots narrowly defeated the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by one wicket on the last ball at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
Anrich Nortje’s fierce yorker sets the tone
The match kicked off with Patriots captain Andre Fletcher winning the toss and opting to field first. The decision paid off immediately as South African speedster Anrich Nortje struck early. In the final ball of the second over, Nortje delivered a sizzling yorker aimed at the off stump, dismantling Falcons opener Teddy Bishop for just 1. Bishop attempted an ambitious shot, giving himself too much room, only to see the ball, delivered at Nortje’s express pace, sail under his bat and crash into the off stump. This perfect start set the Patriots on the right path.
Here’s the video:
The first wicket of CPL24 belongs to Nortje, and it’s the Sky365 Magic Moment#CPL #CPL24 #ABFvSKNP #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Sky365 pic.twitter.com/FfH2GNKdbL
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 30, 2024
Also READ: Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 – Broadcast, Live Streaming | When and where to watch in India, US, UK, Canada, South Africa & other countries
Fakhar Zaman and Jewel Andrew Anchor Antigua & Barbuda Falcons’ innings
Fakhar Zaman then took charge for the Falcons, unleashing his powerful strokes to score 43 off 32 balls, including five boundaries and two towering sixes. He was well supported by Kofi James, who contributed a steady 22 off 24 balls. However, it was England’s Sam Billings who provided one of the highlights of the innings when he was spectacularly caught on the boundary at deep midwicket. Odean Smith‘s excellent footwork and quick thinking allowed him to juggle the ball to himself right on the boundary edge, completing a stunning catch.
The standout performer for the Falcons was 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, whose composed and aggressive knock of 50 off just 30 balls showcased his remarkable talent and maturity beyond his years. Due to Andrew’s efforts, the Falcons posted a competitive total of 163/4, giving the Patriots a challenging target to chase.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots survive rollercoaster chase to secure victory
The Patriots’ chase was a rollercoaster, marked by fluctuating fortunes as both teams battled fiercely. The match came down to the wire, with the Patriots needing a single off the final delivery. Nortje, holding his nerve, managed to secure the crucial run off Roshon Primus, sealing a last-ball victory for the Patriots. This win not only matched their total victories from the previous season but also provided them with a perfect start to CPL 2024.
