Providence, Guyana: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons signed off their Caribbean Premier League 2026 league campaign with one of their most complete performances of the tournament, beating Guyana Amazon Warriors by 65 runs at Providence Stadium and handing the Warriors their first defeat of the season.
The Falcons posted 182 for five from their 20 overs before dismissing Guyana for 117 in just 14.2 overs. Shadab Khan changed the shape of the game twice, first with an explosive unbeaten 30 from nine balls and then with a controlled spell of two for 19. Alzarri Joseph provided the cutting edge with four wickets as the Warriors’ chase collapsed rapidly despite an aggressive start.
The result took Antigua to 13 points from 10 matches, with six wins, three defeats and one no-result, while Guyana remained on 12 points from seven matches after suffering their first loss of CPL 2026.
Both teams had already qualified for the playoffs before this match, so there was no elimination pressure. What changed was the tone of the race. Antigua completed the league stage with momentum, while Guyana were given their first serious reminder that their previously unbeaten campaign still has vulnerabilities.
Falcons vs Warriors: Match at a Glance
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Caribbean Premier League 2026 |
| Match | Match 30 |
| Date | September 8, 2026 |
| Venue | Providence Stadium, Guyana |
| Toss | Guyana Amazon Warriors elected to field |
| Antigua and Barbuda Falcons | 182/5 in 20 overs |
| Guyana Amazon Warriors | 117 all out in 14.2 overs |
| Result | Antigua and Barbuda Falcons won by 65 runs |
| Top Falcons scorer | Hasan Nawaz, 36 from 27 balls |
| Best late-innings contribution | Shadab Khan, 30 not out from 9 balls |
| Best bowler | Alzarri Joseph, 4/41 |
Falcons Build a Total Without One Dominant Innings
Antigua’s 182 for five was built differently from many of their earlier victories.
There was no century, no 70-run rescue act and no single batter carrying the innings for 15 overs.
Instead, the Falcons kept adding useful contributions.
Karima Gore made 23 from 18 balls, Evin Lewis scored 22 from 18, Amir Jangoo contributed 27 from 30 and Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 36 from 27.
Hasan’s innings contained three fours and two sixes and helped Antigua move from a steady middle phase into a position from which the death overs could be attacked.
Captain Moeen Ali then added 18 from 12 balls before Shadab changed the final shape of the innings.
Shadab Turns 136/5 Into 182/5
When Moeen was dismissed at 136 for five after 17.5 overs, Antigua had 13 balls remaining.
Those 13 deliveries became decisive.
Shadab Khan hit 30 not out from only nine balls, striking two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 333.33.
Fabian Allen supported him with 11 not out from seven.
The Falcons added 46 runs after the fifth wicket fell.
That finishing burst transformed a competitive score into a target that demanded an aggressive response from Guyana immediately.
Shadab had already demonstrated this ability earlier in the tournament. He struck an unbeaten 52 to drive Antigua past TKR, a performance covered in The Sports Encounter’s report on Shadab Khan’s match-winning display against Trinbago Knight Riders.
He also played another central role when Antigua beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, combining late hitting with the broader impact that has made him one of the Falcons’ most important all-rounders. That contest is revisited in our CPL Match 12 report.
Warriors Bowling Loses Control at the Death
Guyana had periods of control earlier in the innings.
Imran Tahir took one for 21 from four overs and Mohammad Nabi conceded only 23 from his four, while Khary Pierre also kept the scoring manageable with one for 27.
The problem came elsewhere.
Romario Shepherd conceded 51 runs from three overs, while Shamar Joseph gave up 39 from four.
That contrast became decisive.
Guyana’s strongest bowlers restricted Antigua through the middle, but the Falcons found enough weak overs to keep accelerating.
The last two overs turned the total from potentially manageable into something much more dangerous.
Guyana Attack Early, Then Collapse
A target of 183 required Guyana to score at 9.15 runs per over.
They responded aggressively.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 18 from eight balls with three sixes. Mavendra Dindyal followed with 25 from 13, including two fours and two sixes.
The Warriors reached 33 before the first wicket fell in only 2.2 overs.
That start suggested the chase could become another high-scoring contest.
Instead, Alzarri Joseph ripped through the top order.
Alzarri Joseph Breaks the Chase Open
Joseph dismissed Gurbaz, then removed Shai Hope for a duck before returning to dismiss Dindyal.
Those wickets changed Guyana’s position dramatically.
They went from 33 without loss to 54 for three.
Joseph later returned to dismiss captain Imran Tahir and completed figures of four for 41 from four overs.
The figures look expensive in isolation because Guyana attacked from the start, but the wickets were far more important than the economy rate.
Joseph removed three of the top three and effectively destroyed the foundation of the chase before the middle order could settle.
His contribution continued a strong tournament with the ball. He had already taken key wickets in Antigua’s opening-day thriller against Jamaica Kingsmen, which The Sports Encounter covered in our report on the Falcons’ dramatic CPL 2026 opener.
Falcons Attack From Every Direction
The most impressive part of Antigua’s defense was that Joseph did not have to finish the job alone.
Joshua James dismissed Shimron Hetmyer and Mohammad Nabi, finishing with two for 11 from 1.2 overs.
Sufyan Moqim took two for 18, removing Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph.
Shadab dismissed Quentin Sampson and Dwaine Pretorius and conceded only 19 runs from his four overs.
| Falcons Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzarri Joseph | 4 | 41 | 4 | 10.25 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 19 | 2 | 4.75 |
| Sufyan Moqim | 3 | 18 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Joshua James | 1.2 | 11 | 2 | 8.25 |
| Jayden Seales | 2 | 21 | 0 | 10.50 |
That distribution of wickets is significant.
Antigua did not depend on one bowler taking six or seven wickets. Four different bowlers contributed to a complete collapse.
Eight Wickets Gone Before 100
Guyana lost wickets at 33, 34, 54, 59, 74, 81, 86 and 99.
By the end of the tenth over, the chase was effectively broken.
At 99 for eight after 9.5 overs, Guyana needed 84 more runs with only two wickets remaining.
The Falcons’ attack had created pressure through pace, spin and constant wicket-taking.
There was no recovery partnership.
Mohammad Nabi made 23 from 22 balls, but he was left trying to manage the collapse rather than build a chase.
Guyana eventually finished on 117 after 14.2 overs.
Warriors Suffer Their First Defeat of CPL 2026
The result ended Guyana’s unbeaten start.
They had won their first six matches and entered the contest with 12 points.
The loss leaves them on 12 points from seven matches.
The positive news is that their playoff place was already secure.
The warning is more tactical.
Guyana’s batting had not previously been exposed this brutally.
Their top order attempted to maintain the required rate, but once Joseph broke through, the middle order never recalibrated.
That is something playoff opponents will study closely.
Falcons Finish League Phase on 13 Points
Antigua have now completed all 10 of their league matches.
Their record stands at six wins, three defeats and one no-result, giving them 13 points.
That is an important achievement after a season that has required several different match-winners.
Shadab has produced major all-round performances.
Joseph has repeatedly provided early wickets.
Joshua James emerged strongly in the victory over Barbados, where his bowling helped Antigua take control. Readers can revisit that performance in our Falcons vs Barbados Match 16 analysis.
The Falcons also showed earlier in the tournament that they could win tight chases, including the three-wicket victory over the Patriots and the last-ball opener against Jamaica.
This match offered something different.
It was not a survival act.
It was dominance.
Updated CPL 2026 Points Table
The standings below reflect the position after Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ 65-run victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors.
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antigua and Barbuda Falcons | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | -0.133 |
| 2 | Guyana Amazon Warriors | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 12 | +1.565 |
| 3 | Jamaica Kingsmen | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 8 | -0.096 |
| 4 | St Lucia Kings | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 8 | -0.903 |
| 5 | St Kitts and Nevis Patriots | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 7 | +0.405 |
| 6 | Trinbago Knight Riders | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 6 | +0.066 |
| 7 | Barbados Tridents | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 | -0.645 |
Antigua sit top because they have completed all 10 matches and accumulated 13 points. Guyana remain second with 12 points but still have matches in hand.
The wider playoff picture remains fluid below the top two, with Jamaica and St Lucia both on eight points and St Kitts, TKR and Barbados still separated by only two points.
Full Match Scorecard
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 182/5 in 20 overs
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karima Gore | 23 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 127.77 |
| Evin Lewis | 22 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 122.22 |
| Amir Jangoo | 27 | 30 | 0 | 1 | 90.00 |
| Hasan Nawaz | 36 | 27 | 3 | 2 | 133.33 |
| Moeen Ali | 18 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 150.00 |
| Shadab Khan | 30* | 9 | 2 | 3 | 333.33 |
| Fabian Allen | 11* | 7 | 0 | 1 | 157.14 |
| Extras | 15 | ||||
| Total | 182/5 | 20 overs | |||
Guyana Amazon Warriors: 117 all out in 14.2 overs
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 18 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 225.00 |
| Mavendra Dindyal | 25 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 192.30 |
| Shai Hope | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 23 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 104.54 |
| Quentin Sampson | 12 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 171.42 |
| Romario Shepherd | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 200.00 |
| Dwaine Pretorius | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Shamar Joseph | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Imran Tahir | 8 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Khary Pierre | 0* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 15 | ||||
| Total | 117 all out | 14.2 overs | |||
Falcons Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzarri Joseph | 4 | 41 | 4 | 10.25 |
| Jayden Seales | 2 | 21 | 0 | 10.50 |
| Joshua James | 1.2 | 11 | 2 | 8.25 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 19 | 2 | 4.75 |
| Sufyan Moqim | 3 | 18 | 2 | 6.00 |
Why This Win Matters Before the Playoffs
Both teams were already through, but that does not make this result meaningless.
Antigua completed their league phase by beating the only unbeaten side left in the tournament.
They did it with a balanced batting performance, a violent late acceleration and wickets shared across four bowlers.
That combination gives the Falcons several different ways to win knockout matches.
Guyana remain one of the strongest teams in the competition and still possess games in hand, but this defeat offers useful evidence to their future opponents.
Early wickets can disrupt their chase.
Pressure can force the middle order into high-risk decisions.
And even a powerful batting lineup can disappear quickly when the required rate remains high.
Antigua’s Tournament Has Been Built on Different Match-Winners
The Falcons’ route to 13 points has involved several different players.
Tajinder Singh rescued the opening match.
Moeen Ali finished the Patriots thriller.
Shadab Khan dominated against TKR.
Joshua James drove the victory over Barbados.
Joseph has repeatedly struck with the new ball.
That variety is one of Antigua’s biggest strengths entering the playoffs.
Earlier CPL 2026 coverage from The Sports Encounter also shows how unpredictable the wider tournament has been. Sunil Narine produced one of the competition’s best all-round displays when TKR defeated Barbados, while St Kitts produced a record-level chase in their 218-run pursuit against the Tridents.
Andre Fletcher has also played a major role in St Kitts’ season, including the earlier win over St Lucia covered in our Patriots vs Kings report.
What Comes Next
Antigua have completed their 10 league matches and can now focus entirely on the playoffs.
Guyana remain in position to influence the final standings because they have matches still to play.
The official CPL 2026 fixtures schedule outlines the remaining league program and playoff structure.
Readers can also follow official team updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and Guyana Amazon Warriors through the tournament’s official channels.
For Antigua, the league phase ends with a convincing message.
They have already secured qualification.
Now they have beaten the previously unbeaten Warriors by 65 runs.
The playoffs will decide whether that momentum can carry them further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Antigua and Barbuda Falcons vs Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2026?
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons defeated Guyana Amazon Warriors by 65 runs in Match 30 of CPL 2026 at Providence Stadium.
What was the score in Falcons vs Warriors?
Antigua scored 182 for five from 20 overs. Guyana were bowled out for 117 in 14.2 overs.
Who was Antigua’s best bowler?
Alzarri Joseph took four wickets for 41 runs from four overs.
How many runs did Shadab Khan score?
Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 30 from nine balls, including two fours and three sixes.
What were Shadab Khan’s bowling figures?
Shadab took two wickets for 19 runs from four overs.
Was this Guyana Amazon Warriors’ first defeat of CPL 2026?
Yes. Guyana had won their first six matches before losing to Antigua.
How many points did Antigua finish with?
Antigua completed their 10-match league phase with 13 points from six wins, three losses and one no-result.
Have Antigua and Guyana qualified for the CPL 2026 playoffs?
Yes. Both teams had already secured playoff qualification before this match.
Who top-scored for Antigua?
Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 36 from 27 balls.
What is Guyana’s record after this defeat?
Guyana have six wins and one defeat from seven matches, leaving them on 12 points.