Andries Gous’ unbeaten 85 anchored the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to a dramatic last-ball win over the Barbados Royals on Sunday night, leaving the Royals still searching for their first victory of the season.
Chasing 188, the Falcons reached 188 for 6, with local allrounder Shamar Springer striking the winning runs off the final delivery. The result lifted the Falcons to third in the table, while the Royals, despite a brilliant unbeaten 98 from Brandon King, remain at the bottom with just one point from six matches.
The Royals appeared to be in control after posting 187 for 4, led by King’s explosive innings that featured three sixes off Jayden Seales in the 16th over. But their bowlers and fielders faltered in the defense. Skipper Rovman Powell’s decision to hand the final over to Sherfane Rutherford—who had not bowled in T20s for over two years—proved costly. Rutherford began with three wides, and although he nearly pulled things back, Springer held his nerve to clinch the win.
The Royals’ sloppy fielding compounded their troubles. Chris Green dropped four catches and Daniel Sams two, mistakes that allowed the Falcons to stay in the chase.
Gous was the standout performer, striking five fours and four sixes in his 53-ball knock. He received support from Kevin Wickham, who made 26, and Springer, who finished the job after a tense final over that saw Imad Wasim run out attempting a risky second run.
Earlier, the Falcons’ chase began briskly with Gous and Amir Jangoo adding 38 inside the first four overs before Sams and Ramon Simmonds pegged them back. Gous, however, steadied the innings, reaching his half-century off 32 balls and keeping the Falcons in the hunt despite wickets falling around him.
For the Royals, King was left stranded just short of a century, watching from the non-striker’s end as Salman Irshad’s late burst with the ball restricted them to 38 runs in the last four overs. Irshad claimed 2 for 13, dismissing Powell and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession.
The Royals now face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Falcons will take confidence from securing their first away win of the season in such dramatic fashion.
