Shakib Al Hasan produced one of his most explosive T20 innings to date, but it was not enough to save Antigua and Barbuda Falcons from defeat as Tim Seifert’s extraordinary hundred powered St Lucia Kings to a six-wicket win in the Caribbean Premier League on 31 August in Gros Islet.
The 37-year-old Bangladesh all-rounder lit up the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground with a 20-ball half-century, his joint-fastest in T20 cricket before finishing on 61 from 26 deliveries, laced with five sixes and five fours. His strike-rate of 234.61 was the highest of his career, eclipsing the 222.58 he managed during last season’s Bangladesh Premier League.
Shakib came in at No. 4 and immediately lifted the tempo after Aamer Jango (56 off 43) and Jewel Endu had provided a steady start. His clean hitting, combined with late acceleration from Fabian Allen, who smashed 38 not out from 17 balls, propelled the Falcons to an imposing 204 for 4.
Yet the night ultimately belonged to Seifert. The New Zealander launched a relentless assault on Antigua’s bowlers, racing to a 40-ball century to equal Andre Russell’s record for the fastest ton in CPL history. He finished unbeaten on 125 from 53 balls, striking 10 fours and nine sixes, and shared a crucial partnership with Tim David before sealing the chase alongside Delano Potgieter.
Antigua’s bowlers were left bruised, with Shakib enduring a particularly punishing spell. After conceding just two runs in the remainder of his opening over, his second went for 24 as Seifert struck three fours and two sixes. The left-arm spinner finished wicketless, giving away 32 runs in two overs.
Despite occasional breakthroughs from Usama Mir, Odean Smith, Jayden Seales and Salman Irshad, the Kings crossed the line with 13 balls to spare, finishing on 208 for 4.
The defeat leaves Antigua and Barbuda Falcons third in the standings on seven points from eight matches, behind leaders Trinbago Knight Riders and second-placed St Lucia Kings.
