Antigua and Barbuda Falcons registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Jamaica Kingsmen to claim their maiden Caribbean Premier League 2026 title in the grand final played on September 21. Commencing at 4:30 AM Indian Standard Time, the summit clash saw Jamaica Kingsmen manage a competitive total of 170 for nine after batting first. Undeterred by the pressure of the occasion, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons completed the highest run chase in tournament final history, strolling to the target in just 16.4 overs with two wickets down and 20 deliveries to spare.
Rahkeem Cornwall Sets Blistering Tone in Powerplay
Hunting down 171 for victory, the Falcons received an explosive kickoff from opener Rahkeem Cornwall. The big-hitting opener took immediate aim at Saim Ayub in the very first over, plundering 20 runs off just six deliveries. Even though Cornwall fell shortly afterward, his electric blitz established an aggressive scoring rhythm that never subsided. Evin Lewis joined the assault with a brisk 38 runs off 26 deliveries, while Amir Jangoo took command of the bowling attack. By the conclusion of the six-over powerplay, the Falcons had raced to 76 for one, leaving the Kingsmen bowlers utterly rattled. Capturing the milestone, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons posted on X to celebrate the championship achievement.
Hasan Nawaz and Amir Jangoo Seal Comfortable Victory
When Evin Lewis departed following the powerplay, Hasan Nawaz stepped onto the pitch to partner Amir Jangoo and steer the run chase toward the finish line. The Kingsmen suffered through a nightmare evening in the field, conceding crucial extra runs through misfields and sloppy overthrows that completely undermined their bowling plans. Jangoo compiled a dominant 57 off 34 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. Nawaz proved equally solid, compiling an unbeaten 47 off 35 deliveries. He put an exclamation mark on the contest by launching a towering six over long-on to seal the championship. Celebrating the new winners, CPL T20 posted on X to congratulate the 2026 title holders.
Maaz Sadaqat Smashes Historic Final Century in Losing Cause
Earlier in the contest, Jamaica Kingsmen owed their innings total almost entirely to a masterclass from Pakistani batter Maaz Sadaqat. Sadaqat delivered a batting exhibition, blasting 114 runs off merely 58 balls to guide his side to 170 for nine. In doing so, he entered the record books as the first batsman ever to score a century in a Caribbean Premier League final. Despite his individual brilliance, the rest of the Kingsmen batting order crumbled under pressure, leaving his team with a total that was not enough to challenge the Falcons.
Four Pakistani Cricketers Make Decisive Impact Across Both Sides
The 2026 championship fixture was heavily defined by the performances of four Pakistani cricketers representing both camps. For Jamaica Kingsmen, Maaz Sadaqat was the primary run-scorer with his blistering 114, while Saim Ayub supported him as the second-highest scorer with 29 runs from 22 balls alongside taking a wicket. In the Falcons camp, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem derailed the Kingsmen batting line-up by claiming four key wickets to keep the target within manageable limits. Finally, Hasan Nawaz anchored the second half of the chase with his calm, unbeaten 47 off 35 balls, ensuring the Falcons crossed the line in style.
