Tajinder finishes it as Falcons edge last-ball win on CPL opening night

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons kicked off CPL 2026 with a thrilling two-wicket, last-ball victory over debutants Jamaica Kingsmen in Kingstown.

Kingsmen Middle-Order Stumble: After a lively Powerplay setup by Reeza Hendricks (42 off 25), the Kingsmen stalled in the middle overs, gathering just 59 runs between overs 7 and 16. Player of the Match Alzarri Joseph (3/34), along with tight spells from Jayden Seales and Usama Mir, restricted the Kingsmen before Rovman Powell (47) and late cameos pushed them to 167/7.

Tajinder Anchors the Chase: USA's Tajinder Singh spearheaded the chase on his CPL debut, scoring 62 off 37 balls and sharing key partnerships with Tim Robinson (40) and Rahkeem Cornwall.

Last-Over Drama: Needing just 6 runs from the final over, Falcons wobbled as Hunain Shah struck twice in two balls. Final Ball Decider: Needing 2 runs off the final ball, Shamar Springer dug out a Yorker to long-on. A rare fielding fumble by Powell allowed the Falcons to scramble two runs and secure the opening win.

Kingsmen's Batting Stumble & Late Finish: Rovman Powell made 47 off 37 balls and Andre Russell was limited to 8 off 10. Late quickfire cameos from Hassan Khan (10* off 6) and Keemo Paul (16 off 6) pushed Jamaica Kingsmen to a respectable total.

Early Wickets in the Chase: Keemo Paul made early inroads by removing both openers, Evin Lewis and Rahkeem Cornwall, within the first seven overs.

Key Partnerships: The chase remained under control thanks to a 40-run second-wicket stand between Cornwall and Tim Robinson, followed by a 64-run partnership for the third wicket between Robinson and Tajinder Singh.

Tajinder's Match-Winning Debut: Despite a late wobble near the finish line, Tajinder Singh's 62 off 37 balls on his CPL debut proved decisive for the Falcons, capitalizing on the Kingsmen's middle-overs batting slowdown.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 168 for 8 (Tajinder 62, Robinson 40, Paul 3-29, Russell 2-34, Hunain 2-38) beat Jamaica Kingsmen 167 for 7 (Powell 47, Hendricks 42, Joseph 3-34) by two wickets