Cricket Buzz Today: In a rain-affected match on Wednesday, half-centuries from Sam Billings and Justin Greaves were not enough to prevent Barbados Royals from securing their third consecutive win. The match played against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, saw the visitors post a competitive total of 176/5 from their allotted 20 overs. However, persistent rain intervened, and the Royals, who were 10 runs ahead based on the DLS method, claimed victory after 14.3 overs of their chase.
Sent in to bat first, Falcons’ opener Brandon King provided an explosive start with 27 off 19 balls, stitching a quick 50-run partnership with Greaves. Though King was dismissed soon after the Powerplay, Greaves held firm, combining with Billings to rebuild the innings. Billings, starting cautiously, accelerated during the latter stages of the innings, taking on Obed McCoy with four consecutive boundaries in the death overs. His 50 came off just 33 balls, propelling the Falcons past 170 despite some late wickets.
The Royals had a shaky start, losing Rakheem Cornwall without a run on the board. However, Quinton de Kock and Alick Athanaze steadied the innings, guiding the Royals to 48/1 at the end of the Powerplay. De Kock’s brisk 48, alongside Athanaze’s steady 34, kept the Royals in the hunt.
A dramatic 12th over, bowled by Roshon Primus, turned the game. The over featured four wides, three no-balls, and the wicket of de Kock after he smashed a six off a free hit. The 23-run over, followed by David Miller’s boundary-laden cameo, put the Royals ahead by 12 runs when the rain returned.
The second rain delay ultimately ended the match, with the Royals securing a 10-run victory under the DLS method.
Brief Scores:
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 176/5 in 20 overs (Justin Greaves 61, Sam Billings 56; Jason Holder 2-36, Naveen-ul-Haq 2-34)
Barbados Royals: 127/3 in 14.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 48, Alick Athanaze 34; Chris Green 1-32)
Barbados Royals won by 10 runs (DLS method).