Antigua & Barbuda claims first CPL crown after Moqim heroics

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons secured their first Caribbean Premier League title on Sunday night, chasing down 171 against Jamaica Kingsmen with 20 balls to spare in a one sided final at Kensington Oval.

The Falcons reached 173 for two in 16.4 overs, completing an eight wicket victory in front of a large crowd that included Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Amir Jangoo finished unbeaten on 57, while Hasan Nawaz contributed 47 not out from 35 balls.

The foundation for the victory had been laid earlier by left arm spinner Sufyan Moqim, whose 4 for 14 was the best bowling performance in a CPL final. His spell halted a Kingsmen innings that appeared set for more than 200 after reaching 110 for two in 11 overs.

Maaz Sadaqat provided the major individual highlight for Jamaica, becoming the first player to score a century in a CPL final. He made 114 from 58 balls, striking nine sixes and eight fours.

Jamaica lost Kirk McKenzie for a duck in the opening over before Keacy Carty departed for 17, leaving the Kingsmen 30 for two. Sadaqat and Saim Ayub then added 80 from 46 balls to revive the innings.

Moqim changed the momentum in the 12th over, removing Ayub for 29 before dismissing captain Rovman Powell for a three ball duck. Shadab Khan followed by trapping Romaine Morris lbw for a duck.

Moqim then removed Hassan Khan for one and Keemo Paul for three as Jamaica slipped to 127 for seven in the 15th over. Sadaqat responded with attacking strokes before reaching his second playoff century from 49 balls. He was dismissed for 114 from the final two balls of the innings.

Alzarri Joseph took 2 for 27 alongside Moqim’s decisive spell.

The Falcons reply began explosively. Rahkeem Cornwall struck 2 sixes and 2 fours in the opening over before being bowled, while Evin Lewis raced to 38 from 26 balls.

Lewis also reached 3000 CPL runs during the chase. A reprieve followed when Andre Russell overstepped while taking his catch, allowing Lewis to continue before eventually falling at 84 for two.

Jangoo and Nawaz then combined for an unbeaten 89 run stand from 9 overs. Jangoo struck 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Nawaz hit 3 fours and 3 sixes to complete the Falcons’ historic championship victory.

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