Bridgetown, 19 September (H.S.): Jamaica Kingsmen have secured their place in the final of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 after defeating Guyana Amazon Warriors by five wickets in Qualifier 2, played early Saturday morning, Indian time.

In the thrilling contest at Kensington Oval, Guyana Amazon Warriors batted first and posted 206 for four in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Kingsmen chased down the target of 207 with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Jamaica’s victory was built on a collective batting effort, with their top five batters making significant contributions to successfully chase down the imposing target.

Guyana suffered early setbacks after opting to bat first. Openers Mohammad Haris and Mavendra Dindyal were dismissed for nine runs each. Shimron Hetmyer then walked in and produced a spectacular comeback after struggling to score in his previous few outings. He joined captain Shai Hope and accelerated the innings, taking Guyana past the 100-run mark by the 12th over.

Hope was dismissed in the 13th over after scoring 40 off 33 balls, but Quentin Sampson immediately adopted an aggressive approach upon arrival at the crease. At the other end, Hetmyer continued to score at a brisk pace. Sampson struck 29 runs off just 17 balls, while Hetmyer maintained the momentum.

In the final over of the innings, Hetmyer unleashed a series of powerful shots. He completed his century by hitting sixes off the final two deliveries of the over. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on a magnificent 102 off 45 balls, while Romario Shepherd finished not out on 10. Powered by Hetmyer’s outstanding century, Guyana reached a formidable 206 for four.

Chasing 207, Jamaica Kingsmen got off to a flying start through Majd Sadakat. He faced 17 of the first 18 balls of the innings and smashed 41 runs, with 38 of those coming in boundaries. Sadakat was dismissed off the final ball of the third over.

Kirk McKenzie and Keacy Carty then steadied the innings and kept the chase on course. McKenzie scored 34 off 20 balls, while Carty contributed a well-made 56 off 40 balls. Saim Ayub added 23 off 17 deliveries.

Kingsmen needed 55 runs from the final five overs when Rovman Powell walked in and completely changed the complexion of the match. Powell smashed an unbeaten 40 off just 17 balls, including four sixes and two fours, to power Jamaica to victory. Kingsmen reached 207 for five in 19.4 overs, sealing a five-wicket win and booking their place in the CPL 2026 final.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar