CPL 2026, Match 1 Review: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons get off to winning start

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won a final ball thriller to open the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) over Jamaica Kingsmen in Saint Vincent.

The Falcons needed just six runs from the final over chasing 168 but Hunain Shah’s two wickets in consecutive balls dragged things back for the Kingsmen, with Jahmar Hamilton and Usama Mir both caught on the boundary. Shamar Springer managed to scamper back for two on the final ball – due to a misfield from Rovman Powell at long-on – to claim the win in dramatic fashion.

Tajinder Singh starred in the run chase with 62 from 37 balls after an international-quality bowling display from West Indians Alzarri Joseph (3/34) and Jayden Seales (1/19) and Pakistani international Mir (1/17) to restrict the Kingsmen to 167/7.

Reeza Hendricks exploded in the sixth over of an otherwise quiet PowerPlay with 28 from Karima Gore’s over to help the South African to 42 from 25 balls on CPL debut.

Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell’s measured 47 was the only other bright spark for the Jamaica-based side who were sluggish throughout the innings. Mir’s final over in the 16^th went for just three, and acceleration was duly needed and brought; 54 were added from the final four overs thanks to a brief six-ball cameo from Keemo Paul.

In reply, Rakheem Cornwall drove loftily and handsomely in the powerplay for a creditable start before New Zealander Tim Robinson and Singh added 64 for the third wicket to set up the run chase in the Falcons’ favour.

Paul’s impressive 3/29 was backed up by Russell’s four one-over spells during which he removed Robinson for his 100th CPL wicket and then Singh for a 101st. The Kingsmen appeared to stay in the game, with the middle order falling in regular intervals.

Hunain Shah’s over costing 19 to leave just 20 needed from the final three overs was the key point in which the Falcons were assertive in their control until Russell’s penultimate over fightback allowed Shah no more than a fighting chance, which ended in heartbreak.