Afghanistan Test spinner Waqar Salamkheil claimed a match-winning four-wicket haul to propel the SKN Patriots to victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the CPL 2025 opener on Thursday (August 14).
Bowling first, the Patriots had the Falcons by the scruff of their neck, having reduced them to 39-3. Salamkheil then got into the action with his first breakthrough of the match, clean bowling Fabian Allen for 12.
Then he struck twice in the 14th over of the innings in the space of two balls, dismissing Shakib Al Hasan (11) and Odean Smith (0). Shakib was caught at long off, giving Salamkheil his 100th T20 wicket, while Smith was bowled while trying to sweep.
Waqar, the Wizard strikes early! 🪄#CPL25 #SKNPvABF #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #GuardianLife pic.twitter.com/Tv0D8YK43F
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 15, 2025
Since returning to competitive cricket after nearly six months, Shakib has struggled with the bat, averaging 13.83 in seven innings he batted. Out of his 83 runs in this period, an unbeaten 58 off 37 came for the Dubai Capitals in the Global Super League.
Salamkheil, brought back to bowl the 16th over, was launched for six by Falcons captain and former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim. After being beaten three deliveries in a row, Imad tried to clear long-off but was caught similarly by Holder.
With one ball remaining in his spell, Salamkheil still had a shot at a maiden T20 five-wicket haul – but finished with 4-22, the best figures of the match.
He has taken four-wicket hauls on three previous occasions, with his best figures of 4-14 in 3.1 overs coming for his previous CPL franchise, Trinbago Knight Riders, in 2023, against Barbados Royals.
The Patriots hit a minor hiccup, slipping to 76-4 at the halfway stage of the chase, but Alick Athanaze (37 off 28)* and captain Jason Holder (18 off 14)* guided them home safely with six wickets and five overs to spare.
Match 1, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
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