Shadab Khan produced a match-winning spell for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons against Guyana Amazon Warriors in Qualifier 1 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. The Pakistan spinner claimed three wickets in three consecutive deliveries to help the Falcons secure a nine-wicket win at Kensington Oval.
After being sent in to bat, Guyana Amazon Warriors collapsed to 76 in 15 overs on Thursday, September 17. The Falcons chased down the target in just 5.2 overs to book their place in Sunday’s final. They will meet the winner of Qualifier 2 between Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Kingsmen in the title clash.
Historic Hat-Trick Helps Shadab Khan Spark Guyana Amazon Warriors Collapse
The collapse started when Sufyan Moqim struck twice in the eighth over. Shadab Khan then claimed a hat-trick in the ninth over to become the first Antigua and Barbuda Falcons player to achieve the feat in the CPL.
Shadab removed Shimron Hetmyer, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Quentin Sampson with three consecutive deliveries as the Amazon Warriors slipped from 40/1 to 49/9. He dismissed Hetmyer at long-on before trapping Mehidy lbw with a googly.
Shadab completed the hat-trick by bowling Sampson through the gate. The leg-spinner later removed Imran Tahir to finish with 4/16. Moqim also claimed 4/13 as the Falcons’ spin attack dominated the league leaders.
Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph added 27 runs for the final wicket, but the Amazon Warriors were eventually bowled out for 76 in 15 overs.
Rahkeem Cornwall Powers Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to Nine-Wicket Win
The Falcons made light work of the 77-run target, reaching it in just 5.2 overs. Rahkeem Cornwall attacked Guyana’s spinners from the start, smashing an explosive 49 off 16 balls.
Cornwall took on Imran Tahir, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Khary Pierre during the opening overs. Evin Lewis then joined the attack, hitting two fours and two sixes off Shamar Joseph in the fourth over.
Tahir eventually dismissed Cornwall for 49, but Lewis remained unbeaten on 23. Amir Jangoo joined him at the crease, and the pair completed the chase before the powerplay ended.
The victory sent Antigua and Barbuda Falcons directly into the CPL 2026 final on September 20. Guyana Amazon Warriors will face Jamaica Kingsmen in Qualifier 2 on September 18 for another chance to reach the title clash.
Shadab Khan Reveals Simple Approach Behind CPL Hat-Trick
Shadab Khan was named Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul and hat-trick. The Pakistan spinner said achieving the milestone in a playoff match made it even more special, but stressed that keeping his bowling simple remained the key to his success.
“Obviously, I’m so happy because hat-trick is that type of a milestone you want as a player in your career. And I did it in the playoff game, so it’s always good. And the team won, that’s the most important as well.”
“I know some players pick my wrong ‘uns, some players pick my leg-spinner as well, but still I try to hit the stumps on a good area, and that’s what I’m doing. Make it simple, because sometimes when you try to complicate stuff, cricket is a very hard game.”
Source: cricketaddictor.com
