Moqim’s Four-For Powers Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to Maiden CPL Title

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons clinched their maiden Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in just their third season after defeating the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets in the final in Bridgetown.

The Falcons chased down a target of 171 with 20 balls to spare, finishing on 173 for 2. Amir Jangoo led the successful chase with an unbeaten 57, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 47. Evin Lewis also made a valuable contribution with 38.

Earlier, Pakistan spinner Sufyan Moqim produced a match-winning spell of 4 for 14 to restrict the Kingsmen to 170 for 9 despite a spectacular century from Maaz Sadaqat.

Sadaqat’s century not enough

Batting first, the Jamaica Kingsmen appeared to be heading towards a much bigger total after losing Kirk McKenzie for a duck in the opening over and Keacy Carty for 9.

Maaz Sadaqat and Saim Ayub steadied the innings with an 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Sadaqat was particularly aggressive, taking the attack to the Falcons as the Kingsmen moved from 30 for 2 to 110 for 2.

Sadaqat eventually finished with a brilliant 114 from 58 balls, smashing nine sixes and eight fours. His innings accounted for more than half of the Kingsmen's total.

However, the Falcons turned the match around through Moqim's decisive spell. The spinner struck twice in the 12th over, dismissing Ayub after he attempted a big shot before removing Rovman Powell for a duck.

The Kingsmen subsequently collapsed from 110 for 2 to 113 for 6, losing four wickets for just three runs. Although Sadaqat continued his assault until the penultimate ball of the innings, the collapse prevented Jamaica from reaching a more imposing total.

Saim Ayub's 29 was the only other significant contribution, while three of the Kingsmen's top six batters were dismissed without scoring.

Falcons make light work of chase

The Falcons began their chase aggressively, with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 20 runs from the opening over bowled by Ayub. Cornwall was dismissed from the final delivery of the over, but the damage had already been done.

Evin Lewis and Amir Jangoo then put the Falcons firmly in control with a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Lewis scored 38 before being dismissed by Vitel Lawes, but by then the Falcons had established a strong position.

Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz then took complete control of the chase. The pair added an unbeaten 89-run partnership, combining for seven fours and six sixes.

Jangoo finished unbeaten on 57, while Nawaz scored an unbeaten 47. The Falcons reached 173 for 2 in 16.4 overs, sealing an eight-wicket victory with 20 balls remaining.

Shadab named tournament MVP

Falcons allrounder Shadab Khan was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after an impressive campaign in which he scored 132 runs and claimed 11 wickets.

The victory marks a landmark moment for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who secured their first CPL championship in only their third season.