Photo by : Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons came within two balls of pulling off a remarkable victory before the St Lucia Kings escaped with a three-wicket win under the DLS method in a rain-affected Caribbean Premier League match in Gros Islet.

Defending a revised target of 52 from eight overs, the Falcons ripped through the Kings’ batting order and reduced them to 33 for seven. However, unbeaten contributions from Joshua Bishop and Shadley van Schalkwyk carried St Lucia to 54 for seven with two deliveries remaining.

The victory moved the Kings to the top of the CPL 2026 standings.

Rain had earlier ended the Falcons’ innings at 98 for nine after 19 overs. The Kings were initially set 84 from 15 overs, but another interruption eight balls into the chase resulted in the target being revised again.

Shamar Springer claimed three wickets for 13 runs, while Joshua James took two for 13 as the Falcons reduced the Kings to 21 for six after five overs.

Matthew Forde then shifted the momentum by striking Springer for a four and a six during an 11-run cameo. Although he was dismissed from the next delivery, Bishop made an unbeaten 12 and van Schalkwyk struck eight not out from three balls to complete the chase.

Forde had earlier starred with the ball, taking four wickets for 29 runs. He dismissed Evin Lewis and Tim Robinson from consecutive deliveries in the second over before later removing Rahkeem Cornwall, who top-scored for the Falcons with 26.

Amir Jangoo contributed 23, while Alzarri Joseph’s unbeaten 16 from the No. 10 position helped the Falcons reach a total that nearly proved sufficient.

Roston Chase claimed two wickets for seven runs from four overs, while Bishop finished with two for 16.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Fall Short as Kings Survive Dramatic Rain-Reduced Clash.