BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT was another disappointing outing for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots as they suffered a two-wicket defeat to the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, closing a winless home season.
The Patriots had hoped to end their home season with a victory, aiming to snap a five-match losing streak, but were restricted to a below-par total of 153/8 in their 20 overs. After being inserted to bat by the visitors, the home side struggled to build momentum on a pitch that, while appearing good for batting, proved to be on the slower side.
Partnerships were scarce until the latter stages, with Mikyle Louis leading the effort with a boundary-laden 63.
In response, the Falcons seemed poised for a comfortable win, beginning their chase with an opening partnership of 55 between Brandon King and Justin Greaves. King, however, was trapped LBW by Anrich Nortje for 29. Although the Falcons remained ahead of the required run rate, a double strike from Wanindu Hasaranga—removing Jewel Andrews and Shamar Springer in the 12th over—brought the Patriots back into contention.
Tight bowling from the Patriots further closed the gap, keeping the game within reach for their first home win since their championship triumph in 2021.
However, the experience of Roshon Primus and Imad Wasim shifted the balance once again in the Falcons' favour, as they inched closer to victory in a tense finish. With 22 runs needed off the final 18 balls and three wickets remaining, Dominic Drakes bowled a tight over, conceding only six runs, leaving the match finely poised.
The drama intensified when Primus was caught at backward point off Nortje in the penultimate over, leaving the Falcons needing 11 runs off the final over. Despite the mounting pressure, Jamaican Fabian Allen proved decisive, smashing Drakes for six off a short delivery, followed by a boundary, and eventually securing the win with a single.
Earlier, Louis’ explosive 63 off 49 balls, featuring 7 sixes and 2 fours, along with a 46-run partnership with Rilee Rossouw, provided the foundation for the Patriots’ innings. Despite the defeat, the team remains optimistic about their playoff chances, with their coach noting the improvement in their recent performances.
“There was some fight in the last two games, which was lacking in the first three,” the coach said.
The Patriots will next take on the St. Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Stadium on September 12.
