Sufiyan Muqeem Stars as Falcons Crush Kingsmen to Lift CPL Trophy

BARBADOS: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons lifted the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 title in convincing fashion, defeating Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets in the final at Kensington Oval, with Sufiyan Muqeem playing a key role with the ball and Amir Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz finishing the chase in style.

After being asked to bat first, the Kingsmen posted 170-9 from their 20 overs. Maaz Sadaqat was the standout performer, producing a stunning unbeaten-style counterattacking effort of 114 from just 58 balls, featuring eight fours and nine sixes. Saim Ayub was the only other Kingsmen batter to offer significant support, scoring 29 from 22 deliveries with two fours and a six.

The Kingsmen struggled for consistency around their two main contributors, with Kirk McKenzie, captain Rovman Powell and Romaine Morris all departing without scoring. Hassan Khan made one, Keemo Paul scored three, while Andre Russell was dismissed after making two runs.

Pakistan spinner Sufiyan Muqeem led the Falcons’ bowling attack with an outstanding spell of 4-14 from his four overs. Alzarri Joseph added two wickets, while Jayden Seales, Shadab Khan and Shamar Springer picked up one apiece.

The Falcons made light work of the 171-run target, reaching 174-2 in only 16.4 overs. Rahkeem Cornwall set the tone immediately, smashing 20 from just six balls with two fours and two sixes before Evin Lewis continued the momentum with a 26-ball 38, including five fours and two sixes.

Amir Jangoo then anchored the successful chase with a fluent 57 off 34 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes.

Hasan Nawaz provided the finishing touch, remaining unbeaten on 47 from 35 balls. His innings included three fours and three sixes as the Falcons completed a dominant eight-wicket victory and secured the CPL 2026 championship.