Antigua and Barbuda Falcons launched their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 season with a dramatic two‑wicket triumph over the Jamaica Kingsmen. Pursuing a target of 168 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, they seemed to be in control for most of the chase before a tense conclusion that went down to the final ball.
Tajinder Singh emerged as the standout performer for the Falcons, amassing 62 runs off 37 balls on his CPL debut. Earlier, Alzarri Joseph spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming three wickets to be named Player of the Match.
Alzarri Joseph leads Falcons’ bowling effort
Set to bat first, the Jamaica Kingsmen began strongly in the Powerplay, reaching 54 for the loss of one. Reeza Hendricks drove the early charge, striking 42 runs off 25 balls. Their momentum faltered after his dismissal in the eighth over, and they managed just 59 runs from the seventh to the 16th overs, enabling the Falcons to consolidate their position.
Rovman Powell led the innings with 47 runs from 37 deliveries, while Andre Russell added a modest eight runs off 10 balls. Late surges from Keemo Paul (16 from six balls) and Hassan Khan propelled Jamaica to a competitive 167 for seven in 20 overs. Joseph was the standout bowler for the Falcons, finishing with figures of 3/34.
Tajinder Singh anchors Falcons’ successful chase
The chase began with a setback as Paul dismissed Evin Lewis and Rahkeem Cornwall in the opening seven overs. Nevertheless, Tim Robinson and Tajinder restored momentum, forging a 64‑run partnership for the third wicket, with Robinson contributing a crucial 40. Tajinder continued to score freely, maintaining the required run rate as the Falcons edged nearer to the target.
With three overs left, Antigua and Barbuda required just 20 runs with six wickets remaining. The chase grew tense as the Falcons faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals and needing six runs from the final over to clinch victory. Hunain Shah revived Jamaica’s hopes by dismissing Jahmar Hamilton and Usama Mir on the third and fourth deliveries.
Needing two runs from the last delivery, Hunain delivered a yorker that Shamar Springer managed to push toward long‑on. A misfield by Powell allowed Springer and his teammates to scramble two runs, sealing the win. Tajinder’s 62 proved decisive as the Falcons finished on 168 for eight after 20 overs, earning two points from their opening CPL 2026 match.
WHAT A THRILLER!
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons pull off a nail-biting win against Jamaica Kingsmen, sealing victory by 2 wickets #CPL #AntiguaAndBarbudaFalcons pic.twitter.com/cqAEdZiGuH
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 8, 2026