Falcons soar past Kingsmen despite Sadaqat century

In a thrilling encounter that saw more than 340 runs scored, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons emerged victorious in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League Final (CPL) against the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets with 20 balls to spare, chasing down a target of 171 with remarkable ease at Kensington Oval in Barbados last night.

The Jamaica Kingsmen innings was defined by a spectacular solo effort from Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed 114 off just 58 deliveries, including eight boundaries and nine sixes.

It was the Pakistani’s second century of the season.

His strike rate of 196.55 was the backbone of the Kingsmen’s total of 170-9, a score that proved short in the end.

However, Sadaqat received precious little support from his teammates.

Kirk McKenzie fell for a duck in the first over, and while Saim Ayub contributed a useful 29 off 22 balls, the middle order collapsed dramatically.

The Kingsmen lost four wickets for just three runs between overs 11.2 and 13.1, with captain Rovman Powell scoring a duck, along with Romaine Morris, while Hassan Khan scored one, all falling cheaply.

Sufyan Moqim was the destroyer-in-chief for the Falcons, claiming four wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs, maintaining an exceptional economy rate of 3.50.

Alzarri Joseph provided solid support with 2-27, while Jayden Seales and Shamar Springer chipped in with a wicket each.

The Falcons’ chase got off to an explosive start when Rahkeem Cornwall blasted 20 runs off just six balls, including two fours and two sixes, before falling to Saim Ayub in the opening over.

Evin Lewis continued the aggressive approach, scoring 38 off 26 deliveries with five fours and two sixes. But it was the unbeaten partnership between Amir Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz that sealed the victory.

Jangoo remained unbeaten on 57 off 34 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes.

Nawaz matched his partner’s aggression with an unbeaten 47 off 35 deliveries, also hitting three sixes.

Their unbeaten third-wicket stand of 89 runs came at better than a run a ball, completely demoralising the Kingsmen’s bowling attack.

The Kingsmen bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Saim Ayub conceding 42 runs from his three overs and part-time seamer Rovman Powell going for 23 from just 1.3 overs.

It was the first title for the Antigua franchise, which was pleasing for coach Paul Nixon.

“The guys have been immense all year. We’ve been so committed, so clear. Moeen has been an exceptional captain. Everybody’s had an impact in the team and the dressing room, and it’s been amazing. The backroom staff analysis has been world-class. So many people have given so much, and I’m just so proud of the Antiguans who backed us. And tonight the boys played beautifully.”