Jason Holder brought a winning start to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots as they bowled off the 13th edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a convincing six-wicket victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Warner Oark on Thursday night.
In his first match as skipper since leaving Barbados Royals, Holder’s decision to bowl first proved inspired as the Patriots’ attack dismantled the Falcons’ batting.
Only Karima Gore, with a sparkling 61 off 34, offered resistance — a classy knock on his debut in the CPL.
Left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil was the standout performer, claiming 4-22 in his four overs to earn the Player of the Match award.
The Falcons were bowled out for just 121 and the Patriots then cruised home with 30 balls to spare, thanks to composed knocks from Alick Athanaze, who stroked 37 off 28 balls and skipper Holder chipped in with a composed 18 off 14.
Holder was pleased that his team made a winning start to the season after a poor campaign last year when they finished bottom of the table.
“The bowlers were outstanding. When we look at the way we bowled up front in the power-play, we got wickets; the innings credit must go to Waqar. I thought Waqar was upstanding. He gave us four wickets, which is always crucial in T20 games. So happy with the way we’ve started.”
Patriots have their second match against Guyana Amazon Warriors at Warner Park on Friday night at 7 p.m.
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