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Sport Correspondent
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ historic eight-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen to capture their first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title was built on hard work, determination, and a commitment to doing the basics consistently, according to fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.
Joseph, who played a key role in the Falcons’ successful campaign, said the team maintained a simple approach throughout the tournament.
“I think it’s just doing the simple things consistently. Not thinking too much, just doing what is required on each surface,” Joseph said.
The final at Kensington Oval in Barbados attracted strong support from Antigua and Barbuda, with the number of Antiguan fans in the stands appearing to outnumber the Jamaican contingent.
That support was not lost on opener Rahkeem Cornwall, who said the Falcons were inspired by the travelling fans.
“It really surprised us to see a lot of Antiguans come down and support us. We feel the love from them and we couldn’t do better than to come out and win the game for Antigua,” Cornwall said.
The Falcons joined the CPL in 2024, replacing the Jamaica Tallawahs, who won the competition in 2022. They became the second franchise from Antigua and Barbuda to compete in the tournament, following the Antigua Hawksbills, who participated in 2013 and 2014 before being replaced by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Reaching the summit shortly after entering the competition is a moment assistant coach Wilden Cornwall described as hugely significant for the country.
“This moment means so much. So much for me and my country. This is our third year trying. And I knew that something about this team, this Antigua team, that some glory behind it,” Cornwall said.
“There are so many people behind this team that make this team a successful team. The man here, head coach Paul Nixon, so much to thank him for,” he added.
Captain Moeen Ali also paid tribute to the Falcons’ support staff, crediting them for helping the team overcome early difficulties.
“Behind the scenes, Nico was outstanding. Ambi (bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose), all of them, from the physios to every single person, Willow (Cornwall), Nico (Nixon), all the guys that made my life easy for me because there was a lot of issues going on initially. But we sorted them out and they were massive. Our analysis guy was outstanding,” Ali said.
The Falcons also created CPL history by completing the highest successful run chase in a final, surpassing St Lucia Kings’ 139 for four against Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2024.
Ali said Cornwall’s explosive start was crucial to the successful chase.
“I thought 170 in a final is normally a very good score. Obviously, the dew was going to come in. But to get 20 of your first five balls with the way Big Rak (Rahkeem Cornwall) plays was outstanding,” Ali said.
“It just sets the tone. And Evin (Lewis) played brilliantly. I really want to mention Jangoo’s innings because a lot of people have been saying about his strike rate.”
Despite the defeat, Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell remained proud of his team’s progress in their first season.
“I honestly felt it’s a proud journey for us. We have accomplished a lot of things. We set out to be in the finals,” Powell said.
Jamaica made a slow start after losing their opening two matches but gradually built momentum, particularly after returning home to play in front of their supporters.
“We went to Trinidad and Tobago. We played a very good game down there and that confidence kept on building within the team,” Powell said.
He admitted, however, that the Kingsmen fell short in the final.
“As a batting group, when we lost four wickets in the middle overs, four of our main or key batters, or batters that are supposed to put the impetus on the game in the last ten overs, went,” Powell said.
“As a bowling group, we didn’t control the powerplay as well as we wanted to.”
Powell congratulated the Falcons and highlighted the significance of their achievement for Antigua.
“It’s a proud moment for all the people in Antigua. If you should look at the home leg that they had, it was fantastic. The people came out and supported them,” he said.
He also believes the Falcons’ success could inspire the next generation of Antiguan cricketers.
“It goes a far way for the young cricketers in Antigua to see their stars, Alzarri Joseph and those guys, doing it on the big show, on the big stage. So hopefully those little kids back in Antigua can take motivation from that,” Powell said.
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