St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, 1st match, CPL 2025

The Caribbean Premier League 2025 commences with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots facing Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Warner Park. Both teams aim to improve from their 2024 performances, where SKNP won only one match and ABF secured three but missed playoffs. SKNP, captained by Kyle Mayers, boasts explosive batsmen like Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher, supported by all-rounders such as Jason Holder. ABF, led by Shakib Al Hasan, features a robust all-round setup with Imad Wasim and Shamar Springer. Their head-to-head is tied at 1-1 from two encounters last season.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (STKNP):

Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Rilee Rossouw, Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder (c), Jyd Goolie, Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheli

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (ABF):

Jewel Andrew (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Karima Gore, Bevon Jacobs, Fabian Allen, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim (c), Odean Smith, Allah Ghazanfar, Jayden Seales, Obed McCoy

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots: 

SKNP’s strength lies in their batting depth, with Fletcher, Lewis, and Rossouw capable of posting big totals. Their bowling, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil, is well-suited to Warner Park’s slower surface. Home advantage gives them a slight edge.

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons: 

ABF relies on all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan and Imad Wasim for balance. Their batting, led by Justin Greaves and Bevon Jacobs, needs to fire early to counter SKNP’s pace attack. Their spin-heavy bowling could be effective if they bowl first.

• Andre Fletcher vs Shamar Springer: Fletcher’s aggressive batting will be tested by Springer’s wicket-taking ability. Springer’s variations could trouble Fletcher early.

• Kyle Mayers vs Shakib Al Hasan: Mayers’ all-round skills against Shakib’s spin could be a game-defining battle.

• Impact Players:

  • SKNP: Jason Holder (all-round consistency), Fazalhaq Farooqi (early wickets)

  • ABF: Imad Wasim (economical bowling, clutch batting), Bevon Jacobs (X-factor batter)

• Pitch: Warner Park offers a balanced surface with an average first-innings score of 170-180. Spinners get assistance, while pacers need variations to succeed. Teams chasing have a better record.

• Weather: Clear skies expected with a temperature of 27-28°C, 80% humidity, and a 25% chance of rain. Wind speed: 21-23 kmph.

• Odds: SKNP are favorites at 55% chance of winning, ABF at 45%.

• Market Trends: Heavy betting on SKNP due to home advantage and stronger squad depth. Fletcher is a popular pick for top batsman, while Springer leads for top bowler.

• Top Picks: Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder (SKNP); Shakib Al Hasan, Shamar Springer, Justin Greaves (ABF)

• Captain Choices: Kyle Mayers (all-round contribution), Andre Fletcher (consistent runs)

• Vice-Captain Choices: Shakib Al Hasan (spin and batting), Jason Holder (all-round impact)

• Dream11 Team:

  • WK: Jewel Andrew

  • Batters: Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Rilee Rossouw, Justin Greaves

  • All-rounders: Kyle Mayers (c), Jason Holder, Shakib Al Hasan (vc)

  • Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shamar Springer, Obed McCoy