High-Stakes Playoff Blockbuster in Bridgetown: The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) enters the knockout phase at the neutral Kensington Oval in Bridgetown as table-toppers Guyana Amazon Warriors take on Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Qualifier 1 on Thursday, September 17, 2026! Fresh off their recent group-stage meeting, both teams battle for a direct ticket to the CPL 2026 Final. Stream every powerplay boundary, massive six, and crucial wicket live on [[/channel/willow-sports-live-cricket-tv/:Willow by Cricbuzz]] via TrillerTV.
High-Stakes Qualifier 1 at Kensington Oval
Qualifier 1 brings a high-octane playoff encounter to Bridgetown, where the winner advances straight to the championship final, while the loser earns a second chance in Qualifier 2.
For Guyana Amazon Warriors, captained by veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir, establishing top-order stability and executing disciplined bowling in the powerplay are top priorities. Driven by marquee match-winners—including [[/fighter/shai-hope/40417/:Shai Hope]], Shimron Hetmyer, [[/fighter/glenn-phillips/40388/:Glenn Phillips]], [[/fighter/romario-shepherd/40416/:Romario Shepherd]], Mohammad Haris, Dwaine Pretorius, Khary Pierre, and fast bowler Shamar Joseph—the Warriors look to avenge their late group-stage loss and secure a place in the title decider.
For Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, skippered by English all-rounder Moeen Ali, carrying momentum from their 65-run victory behind Shadab Khan's all-round display is key. Powered by elite performers—including Evin Lewis, Alzarri Joseph, [[/fighter/shadab-khan/40360/:Shadab Khan]], Kusal Perera, Amir Jangoo, Fabian Allen, Rahkeem Cornwall, and Sufiyan Muqeem—the Falcons aim to double down on their success and lock in their spot in the final.
Squads & Key Players
Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad
Core Lineup / Key Performers: Imran Tahir (C), [[/fighter/shai-hope/40417/:Shai Hope]] (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, [[/fighter/glenn-phillips/40388/:Glenn Phillips]], [[/fighter/romario-shepherd/40416/:Romario Shepherd]], Dwaine Pretorius, [[/fighter/shamar-joseph/40449/:Shamar Joseph]], Khary Pierre, Mohammad Haris, Veerasammy Permaul, Quentin Sampson, Mavendra Dindyal, Ronaldo Alimohamed
Tactical Approach: High-tempo front-foot strokeplay via [[/fighter/shai-hope/40417/:Shai Hope]] and [[/fighter/glenn-phillips/40388/:Glenn Phillips]], middle-overs spin squeezes led by Imran Tahir and Khary Pierre, and raw pace from [[/fighter/shamar-joseph/40449/:Shamar Joseph]].
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Squad
Core Lineup / Key Performers: Moeen Ali (C), Evin Lewis, Alzarri Joseph, [[/fighter/shadab-khan/40360/:Shadab Khan]], Kusal Perera (wk), Amir Jangoo, Hassan Nawaz, Karima Gore, Fabian Allen, Sufiyan Muqeem, Jayden Seales, Joshua James, Shamar Springer
Tactical Approach: Explosive opening stands through Evin Lewis and Amir Jangoo, middle-overs wrist-spin control via [[/fighter/shadab-khan/40360/:Shadab Khan]] and Sufiyan Muqeem, and pace variations from Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales.
Pitch & Weather: Kensington Oval in Bridgetown traditionally offers a reliable deck with good bounce and carry under evening lights, rewarding shot-makers while giving seamers early movement with the new ball. Warm, clear evening conditions expected.
