A last-ball classic to open CPL 2026, as the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons stole a thriller from debutants the Jamaica Kingsmen in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Chasing 168 in the season opener at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons needed just six off the final over and nearly blew it against the Jamaica Kingsmen.
Hunain Shah struck twice in consecutive balls, to have Jahmar Hamilton and Usama Mir both caught on the boundary. But Shamar Springer scrambled back for two on the last ball, helped by a Rovman Powell misfield at long-on, to seal the Falcons victory in dramatic fashion. Tajinder Singh anchored the chase with 62.
In the first innings, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Mir combined to restrict the Kingsmen to 167 for 7, skipper Rovman Powell’s 47 the lone bright spot in a sluggish Jamaica innings, though Keemo Paul’s late cameo pushed the total over 160.
Paul struck with the ball too, taking three for 29, as Andre Russell claimed two big wickets, including his 100th and 101st CPL scalps. But it wasn’t enough, The Falcons held their nerve for the win.
Five-time defending champions Trinbago Knight riders will bowl off their title-defense against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots tonight in St. Vincent.