Antigua’s carnival may be over, but last night the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium came alive with more bacchanal as the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons held on for their first win of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.

And what a win! Six runs were needed from the final over, and the fans were tense yet optimistic. Every delivery brought gasps, cheers, or groans. Then, with just two balls remaining, the Falcons sealed a six-wicket victory over the Barbados Royals, sending the vibes into overdrive as the fans celebrated

At the heart of the drama stood Karima Gore, steady as a rock. His unbeaten 64 off 53 balls wasn’t just a performance, it was a statement. Calm under pressure, Gore anchored the innings with a blend of patience and precision. Every time he found the gap or pushed a quick single, the crowd responded, urging him on as if their collective will was driving the chase.

Beside him, Jewel Andrew, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s rising stars, showed maturity beyond his years. His 28 off 25 deliveries kept the scoreboard ticking, but it was his artistry behind the stumps that set tongues wagging. A spectacular flying catch, plucked out of thin air, left jaws dropping. Andrew’s energy lit up the stadium, showing that the Falcons’ future is in safe hands.

For captain Imad Wasim, who won the toss and backed his bowlers by electing to chase on a damp Antiguan evening, the win was both relief and reward. “This first win against the Royals boosts our confidence,” he said afterward, with a smile that hinted at both satisfaction and determination. “We’ll celebrate tonight, but the work continues.” The CPL is a marathon, and the team is ready.

Tonight (Sunday 17th), the Falcons square off against the St. Lucia Kings in a match that carries extra weight, because on the other side of the pitch will be Antigua’s own Alzarri Joseph, a homegrown paceman who knows Sir Viv’s turf as well as anyone. That clash promises fireworks, as the home crowd wrestles with pride for a local son and loyalty to their Falcons.

The week ahead won’t be any easier. The Trinbago Knight Riders swoop in on Wednesday 20th, followed by the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Friday 22nd. The Falcons’ home run concludes on Sunday 24th against the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, a fixture that could be pivotal in shaping their CPL destiny.

This is only the Falcons’ second season in the league, but already the franchise is carving out its identity: gritty, fearless, and unafraid of the big stage. Saturday’s win wasn’t just two points in the standings. It was a declaration that Antigua and Barbuda belong in this carnival of cricket, not as spectators but as contenders.

As fans filed out of the stadium, still buzzing from the finish, one thing was clear: the Falcons are working into the Antigua psyche. They are well on the way to becoming part of the Antiguan summer to do, as essential as Carnival and the beaches. 

The Falcons Force, spreading their wings and bringing more vibes, and reigniting the best-ever carnival cricket spirit of Antigua and Barbuda.