Moqim four-for and Jangoo’s half century helps Falcons secure CPL crown

By Neto Baptiste

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons are champions of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 after securing a convincing eight-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen in Sunday night’s final at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Chasing 171 for victory, the Antigua-based franchise, in only its third year in the CPL, reached the target with 20 balls to spare, thanks to a commanding batting performance led by Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten half-century from 34 deliveries.

The Trinidadian struck four fours and three sixes on his way to an unbeaten 57. He received valuable support from Hasan Nawaz, who scored 47 not out from 35 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

Evin Lewis also made a significant contribution, scoring 38 from 26 balls with five fours and two sixes, while opener Rahkeem Cornwall provided a blistering start with a quickfire 20 from just six deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.

Asked to bat after losing the toss, the Kingsmen were led by a brilliant innings from opener Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed eight fours and nine sixes in a spectacular 114 from just 58 deliveries.

Sadaqat’s assault propelled Jamaica to 170 for nine from their allotted 20 overs. The Pakistani all-rounder was eventually caught by Joshua James off the bowling of Shamar Springer in the final over, but finished with a remarkable strike rate of 196.55.

Saim Ayub was the only other Kingsmen batter to make a significant contribution, scoring 29 from 22 deliveries.

The Jamaica Kingsmen’s innings also featured five batters who were dismissed without scoring, including captain Rovman Powell, Kirk McKenzie and Romaine Morris.

Pakistani left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim was the pick of the Falcons’ bowlers, claiming four wickets for just 14 runs from his four overs.

Alzarri Joseph took two wickets for 27 runs, while Jayden Seales, Shadab Khan and Springer claimed one wicket apiece. Seales finished with one for 18, Shadab one for 28, and Springer one for 10.

The victory caps a remarkable CPL campaign for the Falcons, who have secured their first-ever championship title in only their third season in the competition.