The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (ABF) will take on defending champions Saint Lucia Kings (SLK) in the 5th match of the CPL 2025 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

The Falcons, led by Imad Wasim, have had a mixed start with one win and one loss. While their bowling attack — spearheaded by Wasim and Obed McCoy — has looked sharp, their batting unit featuring Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, and Rahkeem Cornwall needs to deliver with greater consistency to push them into the top tier of the table.

For the Kings, this match marks the beginning of their title defense. Now under the leadership of David Wiese, SLK have retooled their squad following the absence of big names like Faf du Plessis and last season’s top wicket-taker Noor Ahmad. Their lineup still packs serious firepower, with the likes of Tim DavidTim Seifert and Johnson Charles in the batting order, complemented by world-class bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Armed with a proven T20 pedigree and explosive talent, SLK enter as favorites, but how quickly their revamped squad gels together could determine the outcome of this early-season clash.

CPL 2025: Match 5

• Date and Time: August 17; 7:00 pm Local/ 11:00 PM GMT/ 4:30 am (Aug 18)
• Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Pitch Report

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium offers a unique and complex playing surface that tests both batting and bowling skills. Historically, the ground has favoured the team batting second, making it a chasing paradise.

Under the floodlights at the start of an innings, the pitch can be a bit two-paced, presenting an opportunity for seam bowlers. Those who can command swing and movement with the new ball can find early success. However, as the game progresses and the ball loses its shine, the pitch slows down considerably. This shift in conditions is where spinners come into their own. Their role becomes crucial in the middle and late overs, as they can exploit the slowing surface to generate turn and grip, making it increasingly difficult for batters to score.

ABF vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Picks

• Wicketkeepers: Tim Seifert
• Batters: Rahkeem Cornwall, Tim David
• All-rounders: Shakib Al Hassan, Finn Allen, Imad Wasim, Roston Chase
• Bowlers: Cabraiz Shamsi, Alzarri Joseph, Karima Gore, Allah Ghazanfar

ABF vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain

• Choice 1: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Roston Chase (vc)
• Choice 2: Rahkeem Cornwall (C), Finn Allen (VC)

ABF vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Obed McCoy, Jewel Andrew, Jayden Seales, Odean Smith

ABF vs SLK Dream11 Team for today’s match (August 17, 11:00 pm GMT):

Squads

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: Rahkeem Cornwall, Jewel Andrew (wk), Karima Gore, Bevon Jacobs, Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim (c), Odean Smith, Obed McCoy, Allah Ghazanfar, Jayden Seales, Kevin Wickham, Joshua James, Amir Jangoo, Naveen-ul-Haq, Shamar Springer, Justin Greaves

Saint Lucia Kings: Tim Seifert (WK), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Aaron Jones, Tim David, David Wiese (C), Delano Potgieter, Alzarri Joseph, Khary Pierre, Tabraiz Shamsi, Matthew Forde, Ackeem Auguste, Sadrack Descarte, Johann Jeremiah, Keon Gaston, Javelle Glenn