Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 168/8 beat Jamaica Kingsmen 167/7 by two wickets
By St. Paul’s News Team
August 9 2026 | Local Sports
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons launched their Caribbean Premier League campaign in dramatic fashion on Saturday, edging debutants Jamaica Kingsmen by two wickets after chasing down 168 from the final ball of a thrilling contest.
With two runs needed from the last delivery, Shamar Springer squeezed the ball into the outfield before the Falcons scrambled through for the winning runs, finishing on 168 for eight and securing their first points of the season.
Tajinder Singh was the architect of the successful chase, marking his CPL debut with a composed 62 from 37 deliveries.
The right-hander provided the stability the Falcons needed and combined with Tim Robinson, who contributed 40, in a crucial third-wicket partnership that put the home side in a commanding position.
At one stage, the Falcons needed fewer than 20 runs from the closing overs with wickets in hand and appeared set for a comfortable victory.
But Jamaica produced a spirited late fightback.
Keemo Paul, Andre Russell and Hunain Shah applied pressure during the final stages, turning what had looked like a routine chase into a nail-biting finish.
Earlier, the Falcons restricted the Kingsmen to 167 for seven after choosing to field.
Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph spearheaded the attack, claiming three wickets to disrupt Jamaica’s middle order and earn Player of the Match honors.
Jayden Seales and Usama Mir also bowled economical spells as the Falcons kept Jamaica from accelerating freely through the middle overs.
Jamaica made a strong start, with Reeza Hendricks smashing 42 from 25 balls before captain Rovman Powell top-scored with 47.
However, the Kingsmen lost momentum as the Falcons tightened their grip on the innings. Late contributions from Hassan Khan and Paul helped Jamaica reach 167, giving their bowlers a competitive target to defend.
In the end, the Falcons held their nerve when it mattered most, with Springer’s final-ball scramble sealing a memorable opening victory.
The result gives Antigua and Barbuda an important early boost in the CPL standings, while Jamaica Kingsmen were left agonisingly short in their first-ever match in the tournament.