The Jamaica Kingsmen produced a superb run chase to defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval and secure a place in Sunday’s 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League final against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
Chasing a challenging 207 for victory, the Kingsmen were powered by an explosive start from Maaz Sadaqat and a composed half-century from Keacy Carty. Hassan Khan later struck the winning runs as Jamaica completed the chase despite a late fightback from the Warriors.
The victory gives the Kingsmen an opportunity to lift the CPL title in their first season back in the competition. They will meet an in-form Falcons side in a rematch of the opening game of the tournament.
Sadaqat, fresh from his century against the Barbados Tridents in the Eliminator, immediately placed the Warriors’ bowlers under pressure. He smashed 41 from only 17 balls and was responsible for all but one of Jamaica’s runs when Khary Pierre removed him with a towering catch at 42 for one.
His rapid innings allowed Carty and Kirk McKenzie to settle at the crease without falling behind the required scoring rate. Carty then anchored the chase with a stylish half-century as the Kingsmen moved into a strong position.
The Warriors created some late pressure by dismissing Carty, Saim Ayub and Andre Russell. However, captain Rovman Powell remained calm during the tense closing stages and helped guide his team towards the target before Khan completed the victory with a boundary.
Earlier, Shimron Hetmyer struck his second century of the season to lead the Warriors to a commanding total and give them hope of reaching a fourth consecutive CPL final.
The Guyanese franchise initially struggled to build momentum and ended the Power Play on 37 for two. It was a worrying start after they had been dismissed for only 76 by the Falcons one day earlier.
However, Hetmyer responded with a brilliant display of power hitting. Supported by Shai Hope and Quentin Sampson, the left-hander changed the direction of the innings with a knock that featured more sixes than fours.
Hetmyer reached his century from the final delivery of the innings, cutting Andre Russell over short third for four to complete the milestone from just 45 balls.
Although the Warriors appeared to have posted enough runs to defend in a knockout match, Jamaica’s aggressive approach ensured the target was never out of reach.
Powell has now led a Jamaican franchise into the CPL final for the second time, having previously done so in 2022. The Kingsmen will face the Falcons on Sunday, with both franchises seeking to complete their strong campaigns by capturing the 2026 title.
Summarised scores: Guyana Amazon Warriors 206 (20 overs); Jamaica Kingsmen 207 target successfully chased. Jamaica Kingsmen won and advanced to the CPL final.
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