CPL 2025: Tim Seifert delivers match-winning knock as Saint Lucia Kings down Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Falcons by six wickets

CPL 2025: Tim Seifert delivers match-winning knock as Saint Lucia Kings down Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Falcons by six wickets

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 continues to thrill fans with high-scoring encounters, and the clash between Saint Lucia Kings and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground was no exception. On a night when fireworks lit up the stadium, it was New Zealand’s Tim Seifert who stole the show with one of the finest T20 innings ever witnessed in CPL history.

Chasing a daunting 205-run target, Seifert produced a masterclass of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 125 off just 53 deliveries. His innings not only guided the Kings to a convincing six-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare but also reinforced his reputation as a T20 match-winner capable of decimating any bowling attack.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ Batting Brilliance

Steady Start with Amir Jangoo

The Falcons, put in to bat first, got their innings rolling with opener Amir Jangoo anchoring the top order. His 56 off 45 balls was a measured knock filled with well-timed boundaries and patient rotation of strike. While his innings lacked explosive fireworks, it provided the necessary stability to allow the middle order to unleash.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Blistering Knock

The real show, however, belonged to the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. Coming in at No. 4, the Bangladeshi superstar lit up the innings with a blistering 61 off 26 balls, striking at a mind-boggling rate of 234.61. His knock included six fours and three towering sixes, showcasing his ability to dismantle bowlers with ease.

Shakib targeted the spinners mercilessly, dancing down the track and clearing the infield with calculated precision. His assault transformed the innings from steady to spectacular, leaving the Kings’ bowlers searching for answers.

Fabian Allen’s Late Fireworks

As if Shakib’s carnage wasn’t enough, Fabian Allen provided the finishing touches with a fiery cameo. His 38 not out from 17 balls ensured the Falcons breached the 200-run mark. Allen’s hitting at the death, including consecutive sixes off length deliveries, left the crowd buzzing and the scoreboard reading an imposing 204/4 in 20 overs.

Saint Lucia’s Bowlers Struggle

It was a tough night for the Kings’ bowling unit, with the Falcons’ middle order dictating terms.

  • Tabraiz Shamsi was the lone bright spot, finishing with figures of 3/30 in his four overs. His control and variations briefly halted the Falcons’ momentum.

  • Delano Potgieter chipped in with a wicket, but the seamers struggled to contain the flow of runs, conceding boundaries in almost every over.

At the halfway mark, a target of 205 looked more than enough on a traditionally tricky surface.

Tim Seifert’s Masterclass: One of CPL’s Greatest Knocks

Explosive Start to the Chase

Saint Lucia Kings’ response began briskly, thanks to Johnson Charles, who smashed a quick 25 off 15 balls. His aggression provided early momentum, but it was Tim Seifert who soon took complete control.

Walking in with intent, Seifert wasted no time in setting the tone. His crisp drives, inventive sweeps, and towering sixes electrified the crowd as the Kings raced past 50 within the first five overs.

Acceleration at the Right Time

By the halfway stage, the Kings had reached 110/2, with Seifert already past his half-century. What stood out was his ability to pick gaps effortlessly and punish even marginally poor deliveries. His timing was immaculate, and his clean striking reminded fans of T20’s very best.

The Match-Defining Knock

Seifert’s innings of 125 not out from 53 balls was pure carnage. His shot selection was flawless:

  • 10 boundaries pierced the field with surgical precision.

  • 9 towering sixes sent the crowd into raptures, some clearing the stadium roof.

  • His strike rate of 235.85 was a testament to the dominance he asserted over the Falcons’ bowlers.

What made the knock even more special was its composure. Despite wickets falling around him, Seifert never looked flustered. His ability to rotate strike and then shift gears with brute power ensured the required run rate never spiraled out of control.

Falcons’ Bowlers Left Helpless

For the Falcons, defending 205 quickly turned into a nightmare. Their bowlers, who had looked sharp in earlier matches, were completely dismantled by Seifert’s genius.

  • Even reliable names like Alzarri Joseph and Obed McCoy leaked runs under pressure.

  • Spinners who had thrived earlier in the tournament were treated with disdain.

By the 18th over, the game was done and dusted as the Kings romped home at 205/4 in 17.5 overs.

Player of the Match: Tim Seifert

Unsurprisingly, Seifert was named Player of the Match for his historic knock. This innings will be remembered as one of the finest in CPL history—not just for the volume of runs but for the authority with which he dismantled a daunting chase.

Key Turning Points in the Match

  1. Shakib Al Hasan’s assault – His 61 off 26 lifted the Falcons beyond 200, which seemed match-winning at the time.

  2. Tabraiz Shamsi’s spell – His 3/30 ensured the Falcons didn’t reach 220+, giving Kings a realistic chase.

  3. Seifert’s early boundaries – They set the tempo and silenced doubts about the chase.

  4. Acceleration post-10 overs – Seifert’s calculated assault in overs 10–15 killed the contest.

Reactions and Atmosphere

The Darren Sammy Cricket Ground was a cauldron of excitement:

  • Fans erupted with every Seifert six, with chants of “Kings! Kings!” echoing throughout.

  • Social media was abuzz with highlights of his knock, with many calling it the “greatest CPL chase ever.”

  • Even opposition skipper Shakib Al Hasan applauded Seifert’s brilliance in the post-match presentation, acknowledging that sometimes “you just have to accept a batter played an innings beyond imagination.”

What This Win Means for Saint Lucia Kings

The victory was more than just two points:

  • Momentum builder: Chasing down 205 with ease gives the Kings huge confidence for the remainder of the tournament.

  • Seifert’s form: His return to explosive best provides the Kings with a batting anchor around which others can play freely.

  • Playoff push: With this win, the Kings significantly strengthened their bid to secure a spot in the top four.

Statistical Highlights

  • Tim Seifert’s 125 is one of the highest individual scores in CPL history.*

  • His strike rate of 235.85 is among the best for a century in the league.

  • This was Saint Lucia’s highest successful chase in CPL history.

  • Shakib Al Hasan’s 61 was his fastest CPL half-century.

The CPL has always been about drama, power, and unforgettable moments, and this clash between Saint Lucia Kings and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons was all of that rolled into one.

While Shakib Al Hasan and Fabian Allen set the stage with fireworks for the Falcons, it was Tim Seifert’s once-in-a-lifetime knock that stole the spotlight. His 125 not out off 53 balls wasn’t just an innings—it was a statement of dominance, skill, and unmatched timing.

As the Kings walked away with a six-wicket victory, one thing was clear: CPL 2025 has already witnessed one of its defining moments, and Tim Seifert will forever be remembered for scripting it.

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