Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs St Lucia Kings, 5th Match, CPL 2025

The fifth match of CPL 2025 features Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (ABF) taking on St Lucia Kings (SLK) at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.

The Falcons, under the leadership of Imad Wasim, will look to bounce back after a slow start. With all-round quality in Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, and Odean Smith, and local firepower in their pace attack (Obed McCoy and Jayden Seales), they aim to deliver a strong performance at home.

The Kings, meanwhile, look well-balanced. Skipper Roston Chase leads a unit packed with batting strength in Johnson Charles, Tim Seifert, and Tim David, alongside experienced all-rounders David Wiese and Delano Potgieter. Their bowling unit, including Tabraiz Shamsi and Khary Pierre, brings spin variety suited for Antigua’s conditions.

🔮 Winning Probability

Considering balance, squad depth, and conditions:

• St Lucia Kings — 55%
• Antigua & Barbuda Falcons — 45%

The Kings’ depth in batting and all-round options tilt the game slightly in their favor, though the Falcons’ spin-heavy attack at home gives them a real chance.

📈 If Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Bat First:

Expected Total: 150–165

• Key Contributors: Rahkeem Cornwall’s powerplay hitting, Shakib and Imad Wasim’s middle-order stability, and Odean Smith’s late fireworks.
• Key Kings Bowlers: Matthew Forde (new ball), Khary Pierre (spin in middle overs), Tabraiz Shamsi (wrist-spin threat).

📈 If St Lucia Kings Bat First:

Expected Total: 165–180

• Key Contributors: Johnson Charles’ explosive start, Tim David’s finishing ability, and Chase/Wiese in the middle overs.
• Key Falcons Bowlers: Obed McCoy (left-arm variations at the death), Jayden Seales (pace with new ball), Shakib Al Hasan (spin control).

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (ABF):
Rahkeem Cornwall, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo (wk), Imad Wasim (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, Odean Smith, Naveen ul Haq, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Karima Gore.

St Lucia Kings (SLK):
Saint Lucia Kings (SLK): Johnson Charles (wk), Tim Seifert, Aaron Jones, Tim David, Roston Chase (c), Delano Potgieter, David Wiese, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khary Pierre.

Pitch Report – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Antigua)
Based on multiple recent sources:

• The surface is typically on the slower side, assisting spinners and bowlers with variations.
• Pacers who use cutters and back-of-the-hand deliveries can be effective, especially in the middle overs.
• Batting tends to get easier under lights as the pitch settles with more predictable bounce.
• Longer boundaries compared to some CPL venues mean six-hitting requires clean striking.
• Historically, chasing has been more successful here due to dew and improved stroke play in the second innings.

Weather Outlook – North Sound (Antigua), 18 August 2025
Forecast for Monday, 18 August suggests mostly clear skies with a very low chance of showers.

• Temperature: ~30 °C (86 °F)
• Humidity: around 70%
• Winds: Gentle breeze 12–16 km/h, which may aid swing for pacers early on.

Implications:

• Spinners and change-of-pace bowlers will be key weapons on this surface.
• Dew factor could tilt the balance towards the chasing side later in the night.
• Toss remains vital: teams are likely to bowl first to exploit early movement and chase under more favorable conditions.

Key Player Matchups

Rahkeem Cornwall (ABF) vs Matthew Forde (SLK)
Cornwall, with his raw power (CPL SR ~155), is known for explosive starts in the powerplay. If he fires, Falcons can get a flying start at home.
Forde, however, is a new-ball specialist who swings the ball early and uses variations cleverly. His ability to strike in the first six overs could neutralize Cornwall’s impact.

Tim David (SLK) vs Obed McCoy (ABF)
Tim David is one of the most destructive T20 finishers worldwide, boasting a career SR over 160. His ability to clear boundaries in the death overs makes him SLK’s trump card.
McCoy, Antigua’s local left-arm pacer, thrives with slower balls and yorkers at the death. With 50+ CPL wickets, his skill in closing out overs makes this a crucial duel.

Roston Chase (SLK) vs Shakib Al Hasan (ABF)
Chase provides calm stability and has contributed consistently with both bat and ball in recent CPL editions.
Shakib, one of the most experienced all-rounders globally, brings wicket-taking spin and valuable runs in the middle order. Their battle for control in the middle overs could dictate momentum.

CPL Impact Players (Recent Performers)

From CPL 2024 and recent franchise leagues:

• Rahkeem Cornwall (ABF) – Big-hitting opener, scored 220+ runs last season at a strike rate of 150+, capable of match-defining cameos.
• Shakib Al Hasan (ABF) – Veteran all-rounder, 200+ runs and 9 wickets in CPL 2024; his experience adds balance.
• Tim David (SLK) – Global T20 star, delivered multiple match-winning finishes across leagues in 2024 with SR above 165.
• Roston Chase (SLK) – Scored 220 runs and picked 11 wickets in CPL 2024, remains SLK’s most reliable all-rounder.
• Obed McCoy (ABF) – Death-over specialist with deceptive variations; 12 wickets in CPL 2024, especially effective at this venue.

Their performances underline how one explosive innings or a breakthrough spell can flip the game in this high-stakes CPL clash.

Based on the CPL 2025 preview, historical data, and current player form, here are top Dream11 picks categorized by role:

Captain / Vice-Captain Choices

• Shakib Al Hasan (ABF): Consistent with bat and ball, safest all-rounder pick.
• Roston Chase (SLK): Contributes in both departments, reliable fantasy points.

Wicketkeepers

• Amir Jangoo (ABF): Stable top-order keeper-bat.
• Johnson Charles (SLK): Explosive striker at the top.

Batters

• Tim David (SLK): Finisher with six-hitting power.
• Justin Greaves (ABF): Anchor role, differential fantasy option.

All-Rounders

• Imad Wasim (ABF): Skipper and key middle-order option with left-arm spin.
• David Wiese (SLK): Valuable for late runs + death-over bowling.

Bowlers

• Obed McCoy (ABF): Specialist at the death.
• Tabraiz Shamsi (SLK): Wrist-spinner, major wicket-taking threat.