The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have created history by winning their maiden Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title on Sunday, September 20. The Falcons defeated Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets in a thrilling 2026 CPL final at the packed Kensington Oval on Sunday.
The victory became even more special for the Antigua-based franchise, as the team had been part of the CPL for six years without winning the trophy. Former West Indies great Curtly Ambrose was seen celebrating passionately after the historic triumph at the packed Kensington Oval. Earlier, Mohammad Kaif questions Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel.
Maaz Sadaqat’s 114 goes in vain as Falcons Storm to maiden CPL title
The Jamaica Kingsmen batted first after being sent in and put up a strong 170/9 on the board. Their opener Maaz Sadaqat played a stunning knock of 114 runs from just 58 balls. His knock included eight fours and nine sixes.
But Sadaqat didn’t get any support from other batters, with Saim Ayub being the only other batter to cross 10 runs, scoring 29 from 22 balls at number four. The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ bowlers kept fighting back throughout the innings at the Kensington Oval.
Sufyan Moqim was outstanding and finished with four wickets for just 14 runs, which earned the Player-of-the-Match award. Alzarri Joseph also contributed two wickets for 27 runs.
Chasing 171, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons brutally attacked the Kingsmen bowling attack. They raced to 76/1 in the powerplay. Rahkeem Cornwall provided an explosive start, smashing 20 runs from just six balls before being dismissed by Saim Ayub on the final delivery of the opening over.
Evin Lewis then added 38 before falling in the eighth over, with the Falcons at 84 for two. Then, Amir Jangoo took charge with an unbeaten 57 from 34 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 47 from 35 balls as the Falcons completed the chase in 17 overs to make history.
Curtly Ambrose’s emotional celebration goes viral
The historic win sparked giant celebrations inside the stadium, with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons bowling coach Curtly Ambrose among those enjoying the moment most passionately. The victory also came as a memorable birthday gift for the West Indies legend.
In the viral clips, Ambrose was seen emotionally celebrating the victory with the entire Falcons camp at the stadium passionately. He was also seen dancing with the players after winning the CPL 2026 final. Amid this, “Nitish Kumar Reddy cannot match Hardik Pandya”: Mohit Sharma explains why.
Emotional celebration from Curly Ambrose when Antigua won the CPL 2026 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/pg60g96YeF
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 21, 2026
🚨 HISTORIC MOMENT IN CPL 🔥
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons has won their first ever CPL title.
Moeen Ali & his boys has done it in the league history, A champion effort. pic.twitter.com/4G9995tUEg
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 21, 2026
Not many gave us chance: Curtly Ambrose reflects on Falcons’ historic CPL triumph
Ambrose reflected on how the Falcons had gone from being ignored in the early years to champions. “I saw how the team gradually became a strong and cohesive team in the course of the tournament and I was confident that we had the potential to win the trophy,” he said.
The legendary fast bowler also spoke about the difference this success could make to young cricketers in Antigua. A CPL title can bring fresh excitement around the sport, and the Falcons’ historic achievement could inspire many youngsters in the country to pick up a cricket bat and ball.
Curtly Ambrose said, as quoted by Cricbuzz, “I mean, words can’t really describe my feeling, because six years ago when we started, not many gave us a chance. They called all the franchises, and the Falcons were never in the conversation until deep in the tournament, when we started to look like a well-oiled machine and a well-closing-knit unit. We start talking about the Falcons. But we believe from the very beginning that we have what it takes to win this championship, and we finally did it.”
