The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons opened the 2026 Caribbean Premier League season with a narrow two-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent. The contest remained in the balance until the final delivery, with the Falcons requiring two runs to overhaul the Kingsmen’s total of 167. Shamar Springer successfully flicked a full delivery from Hunain Shah toward long-on; a fumble by Rovman Powell allowed the batters to complete the second run, securing the win.
The Kingsmen had set a competitive target of 167/7 after being sent in to bat, bolstered by Reeza Hendricks’ 42 off 25 balls and captain Rovman Powell’s 47 off 37. Alzarri Joseph led the Falcons’ bowling effort with figures of 3-34. In response, the Falcons faced early pressure when Keemo Paul dismissed openers Evin Lewis for 6 and Rahkeem Cornwall, leaving the side in a precarious position.
A pivotal 64-run partnership between Tim Robinson, who scored 40, and Tajinder Dhillon shifted the momentum in favor of the Falcons. Dhillon played a key role with a 37-ball 62 before his innings ended when an Andre Russell delivery found his edge and carried to wicketkeeper Shayan Jahangir. Russell’s dismissal of Dhillon also marked his 100th career CPL wicket. With the Falcons needing only 9 runs from 10 balls with five wickets remaining, the game appeared decided, but the Kingsmen mounted a late resurgence.
The final over, bowled by Hunain Shah, added significant tension as he removed Jahmar Hamilton and Usama Mir with consecutive deliveries. After Alzarri Joseph managed only a single off the fifth ball, Springer stepped up to hit the winning runs. In the final match summary, the Jamaica Kingsmen finished at 167/7, while the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons reached 168/8 in 20 overs. Keemo Paul finished with 3-29 for the Kingsmen in a losing effort.
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons registered a thrilling last-ball victory against the Jamaica Kingsmen on the opening night of CPL 2026 at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent.
A chase of 167 went right down to the final ball with the Falcons needing two runs off the final ball.
Among the batters still available was Tajinder Dhillon, whose sprightly half-century and a 64-run partnership with Tim Robinson had put the chase in control.
With Dhillon falling for a 37-ball 62, the Falcons were left with new batters to chase down the final few runs.
But there were still twists to come.
