The 2025 Caribbean Premier League continues under the lights at North Sound as the Antigua Barbuda Falcons welcome defending champions Saint Lucia Kings to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday 17 August 2025. The action gets underway at 00:00 BST (04:30 IST), allowing fans back in the United Kingdom to tune into a midnight showdown from the Caribbean. The Falcons have already given their home supporters plenty to cheer, while the Kings are eager to begin their title defence in style.
Form Guide
Antigua Barbuda Falcons
The Falcons opened their campaign with a defeat to St Kitts Nevis Patriots, bowled out for 121 despite a blistering 61 from all‑rounder Karima Gore. That knock contained eight fours and two sixes and hinted at their batting potential even in a losing cause. They made amends in their second outing, chasing 152 against the Barbados Royals at this ground. Gore again starred with an unbeaten 64 off 53 balls, calmly rotating strike before launching two towering sixes in the 18th over to finish the chase with two balls to spare. The victory has given the Falcons momentum heading into this contest.
- Lost their opening fixture despite Karima Gore’s 61 off 34 deliveries; bowled out for 121 against St Kitts Nevis Patriots.
- Bounced back by beating Barbados Royals by six wickets; Gore anchored the chase with an unbeaten 64 and Fabian Allen sealed it with a late six.
- Captain Brandon King and West Indian veteran Fabian Allen provide experience, but the team still relies heavily on Gore’s batting heroics.
Saint Lucia Kings
The Kings enter this match as reigning champions but hhave yet to take the field in 2025. Last season they were powered by Faf du Plessis and Johnson Charles at the top of the order, but du Plessis is absent this year due to commitments in The Hundred. New signings Tim Seifert and Tim David bring power and versatility to the batting, while all‑rounder Roston Chase and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph remain key cogs from their title‑winning squad. Without any match practice, the Kings will need to hit the ground running.
- First outing of the season after winning the title in 2024; their campaign was built on explosive batting and disciplined bowling.
- Loss of former captain Faf du Plessis means greater responsibility for Johnson Charles and new opener Tim Seifert.
- Bowling spearhead Alzarri Joseph and spin‑bowling all‑rounder Roston Chase provide wicket‑taking options, while David Wiese’s leadership offers experience.
Key Players
Antigua Barbuda Falcons
- Karima Gore – The left‑hander has been the heartbeat of the Falcons’ batting, following his 61 off 34 balls with an unbeaten 64 to guide the chase against Barbados. His ability to counterattack under pressure makes him a vital fantasy pick.
- Fabian Allen – A seasoned all‑rounder who can clear the ropes at the death and offers handy left‑arm spin. His six to finish the Royals match showed his finisher credentials.
- Jayden Seales – The young fast bowler generates pace and bounce and will relish home conditions. Early wickets from Seales could expose a rusty Kings batting line‑up.
Saint Lucia Kings
- Johnson Charles – A destructive opener who was instrumental in last year’s title win. With Faf du Plessis absent, Charles’ powerplay hitting becomes even more important.
- Tim David – The Singapore‑born finisher adds muscle to the middle order. Known for his six‑hitting, he can change games late on and also contributes with part‑time off‑spin.
- Alzarri Joseph – Among the fastest bowlers in the Caribbean, Joseph’s pace and accuracy make him a handful on any surface. He will lead the Kings’ attack and look to exploit any early movement.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. According to ground data, CPL matches here have seen sides batting second win five of six games, with an average first‑innings total of just 144. The surface provides assistance to both pace and spin early on before flattening out, and teams winning the toss generally prefer to bowl first. Batsmen who get in can cash in later, but bowlers who hit a good length are rewarded.
Weather in North Sound during August is hot and humid. Forecasts for mid‑August call for daytime temperatures around 29 °C with warm nights near 25 °C, accompanied by high humidity and a chance of brief showers. A stiff breeze off the Atlantic may assist swing bowling, but conditions should remain playable barring any passing showers.
Antigua Barbuda Falcons v Saint Lucia Kings – Prediction
The Falcons enter this match with momentum and the confidence of a home crowd. Karima Gore’s back‑to‑back fifties have galvanised the batting order and given the side belief, while their bowlers adapted quickly to conditions in the win over Barbados. The Kings possess plenty of firepower and a strong bowling attack, but rustiness could be an issue in their first outing without Faf du Plessis. Expect a competitive contest, but with home advantage and form on their side, the Falcons are slight favourites to edge a high‑scoring game.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Karima Gore – In red‑hot form with scores of 61 and 64; a reliable choice for captain as he contributes runs and overs.
- Johnson Charles – The Kings’ power‑hitting opener can dominate the powerplay and rack up fantasy points quickly.
- Alzarri Joseph – A wicket‑taking quick who can exploit early assistance and bowl at the death, offering both bowling points and economy bonuses.
The atmosphere in Antigua should be electric as the Falcons seek to continue their winning run and the Kings launch their title defence. With star performers on both sides and a pitch that rewards positive cricket, this fixture promises to deliver another memorable chapter in the Caribbean Premier League.
