Glenn Phillips
Mavendra Dindyal
Shai Hope
Mohammad Haris
Shimron Hetmyer
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Fabian Allen
Alzarri Joseph
Joshua James
Shadab Khan
Sufyan Moqim
Rahkeem Cornwall
Evin Lewis✱
Amir Jangoo✱
Imran Tahir
Khary Pierre
Shamar Joseph
In a nail‑biting opening to the Caribbean Premier League 2026, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons stormed back from a precarious start to clinch a nine‑wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the iconic Kensington Oval. The match’s most dramatic moment came when Cornwall unleashed a blistering 49 runs from just 16 balls, propelling the Falcons to the target with just two overs to spare.
Match Summary
The toss was won by the Falcons, who elected to field first under partly cloudy skies with a humid 27.8°C backdrop. The Guyana Amazon Warriors stumbled out of the gate, losing early wickets and managing a modest Guyana Amazon Warriors T20 score of 76 for 10 in their allotted 15 overs. Joshua James was the lone bright spot, delivering a tidy 1/1 off his single over.
Chasing a modest total, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons began cautiously but soon found their rhythm. After a quick start from Evin Lewis (23 off 13), it was Rahkeem Cornwall who took charge, hammering 49 runs in just 16 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Imran Tahir provided economical support, returning figures of 1/20 in two overs. The Falcons reached the target in just 5.2 overs, finishing at 77 for 1, and securing the win by nine wickets.
Key Performances
Rahkeem Cornwall was the undisputed star, his 49 off 16 balls earning a strike rate of 306.25 and shifting the momentum irrevocably in the Falcons’ favour. His power‑hitting displayed a blend of timing and sheer force, making the most of the short boundaries at Kensington Oval.
Evin Lewis contributed a quick 23 off 13 balls, laying a solid platform for Cornwall’s onslaught. His aggressive approach set the tone early in the chase.
On the Warriors’ side, Joshua James bowled a perfect over, conceding just a single run and taking a wicket, but the lack of support from the other bowlers left the team vulnerable.
Imran Tahir proved his class with disciplined bowling, delivering two overs for just 20 runs and picking up a wicket, keeping the Falcons’ scoring rate in check during the early phase of the chase.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived when the Warriors were bundled out for 76, a score far below par for a CPL match. Their top order failed to build any substantial partnership, leaving the chase within reach.
The second decisive moment unfolded during the Falcons’ innings. After Lewis’s brisk 23, Cornwall’s on‑fire display turned the contest into a one‑sided affair. His boundary barrage, especially the three towering sixes, demoralised the Warriors and ensured the target was chased well inside the powerplay.
Finally, Tahir’s tight spell in the second over of the chase prevented any early resurgence from the Warriors, keeping the required run‑rate manageable for the Falcons.
Series Implications
This victory gives the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons a crucial early lead in the Caribbean Premier League 2026 standings, boosting their confidence and momentum. The win also highlights their depth in the batting order, with Cornwall and Lewis showcasing the firepower needed in T20 cricket.
For the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the loss underscores the need to reassess their batting strategy and bowlers’ execution under pressure. Their all‑time head‑to‑head record against the Falcons narrows to 4‑2, and they will need to bounce back quickly to stay competitive in the tournament.
Fans looking for the latest updates can follow the Caribbean Premier League 2026 live score feeds, while those interested in today’s action can search for "Antigua & Barbuda Falcons cricket today" and "Guyana Amazon Warriors T20 score" to get detailed statistics and highlights.