Shakib endures quiet outing as his Falcons falter in CPL opener

Shakib Al Hasan made a disappointing return to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as his Antigua & Barbuda Falcons slumped to a six-wicket defeat against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the tournament's opening fixture, reports bdnews24.com.

The Bangladesh all-rounder, making his first CPL appearance in two seasons, had prepared for the campaign with a week's training in England. But his impact in Warner Park was minimal, scoring 11 from 16 deliveries before being dismissed attempting a lofted shot, and bowling just one wicketless over for six runs.

The Falcons, batting first after losing the toss, were bundled out for 121. Karima Gore provided the lone resistance with an enterprising 61 from 34 balls, but no other batter passed 12. Early wickets, including the in-form Jewel Andrew and big-hitting Rakheem Cornwall, left the side reeling inside the powerplay.

Afghanistan's left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil's superb figures of 4-22 earned him the Player of the Match award, while compatriot Fazalhaq Farooqi and Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah took two wickets apiece.

In reply, the Patriots made light work of the chase. Opener Evin Lewis smashed 25 from 13 balls to set the tone, and although Andre Fletcher and Rilee Rossouw fell cheaply, Alick Athanaze's unbeaten 37 guided them home with ease. Jason Holder chipped in with 18* as victory was sealed with plenty of deliveries to spare.

Cornwall claimed two wickets for Antigua, with Obed McCoy and AM Ghazanfar adding one each, but the result was never in doubt.

Shakib and the Falcons will look to bounce back in their next fixture on Sunday, which starts at 5am Bangladesh time.