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Antigua and Barbuda Falcons will lock horns with Guyana Amazon Warriors in Qualifier 1 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Falcons finished second in the league stage, while Guyana topped the table, setting up a high-stakes contest with a direct spot in the CPL 2026 final at stake.
The Falcons have plenty of confidence heading into the contest after defeating Guyana by 65 runs in their most recent meeting. They posted 182/5 before dismissing the Warriors for 117, with Alzarri Joseph claiming 4/41. The Falcons also have several experienced match-winners in their ranks, including captain Moeen Ali, Evin Lewis, Shadab Khan and Fabian Allen.
The Falcons are unlikely to make too many changes to the combination that produced an emphatic victory over Guyana earlier this month.
Evin Lewis is expected to open the innings and provide the Falcons with an aggressive start. The left-hander is one of the most experienced T20 batters in the squad and has the ability to put pressure on opposition bowlers during the powerplay. His clean striking will be particularly important against Guyana’s experienced spin attack.
Amir Jangoo should continue as the wicketkeeper-batter. He has been a regular presence at the top of the order and adds right-handed variety alongside Lewis. Jangoo can rotate the strike effectively while also accelerating when the field restrictions are in place. His wicketkeeping will also be important against Guyana’s dangerous batting lineup.
Karima Gore could retain his place after featuring in the Falcons’ previous encounter against Guyana. The all-rounder provides another spin option and adds depth to the batting unit. His ability to contribute in multiple departments allows Moeen Ali greater flexibility when managing the middle overs.
Hasan Nawaz has emerged as one of the Falcons’ most dangerous middle-order batters. The Pakistan youngster smashed 76 off 48 balls against Guyana in Match 30, producing a crucial innings that helped Antigua post 182/5.
His ability to attack both pace and spin makes him a key player in the Falcons’ batting lineup. If he gets set, he can significantly increase the scoring rate during the middle and death overs.
Captain Moeen Ali will be central to the Falcons’ plans. The England all-rounder brings enormous experience in knockout cricket and can influence the game with both bat and ball. He has also been used in the middle order, where his ability to attack spin and manipulate the field can prove valuable.
As captain, Moeen will also have to make crucial bowling changes against Guyana’s deep batting unit.
Shadab Khan is likely to retain his place as the Falcons’ premier leg-spinning all-rounder. The Pakistan international offers an attacking option with the ball while possessing the ability to clear the ropes in the lower middle order.
His four overs could be particularly important against Guyana’s left-handed batters, including Shimron Hetmyer.
Fabian Allen provides balance to the Falcons’ XI with his left-arm spin, athletic fielding and big-hitting ability. He was part of the XI that defeated Guyana by 65 runs and is likely to continue in the same role.
Allen’s fielding could also become a major factor in a high-pressure playoff match, where saving even a handful of runs can prove decisive.
Joshua James has been one of the Falcons’ useful all-round contributors during the campaign. He offers seam-bowling options and can add valuable runs in the lower order. His role could become particularly important if the Falcons need to stretch their batting depth or require an additional bowling option.
Sufyan Muqeem is expected to lead the spin attack alongside Shadab and Moeen. The left-arm wrist-spinner can be difficult to line up against and offers a different angle to Guyana’s batters.
His variations could be particularly useful at Kensington Oval if the surface provides assistance to slower bowlers.
Jayden Seales should spearhead the pace attack. The West Indies quick has the ability to generate pace and movement and can be used both with the new ball and during the death overs.
Against Guyana’s powerful top order, Seales’ opening spell could have a major bearing on the contest.
Alzarri Joseph completes the predicted XI and will be one of the Falcons’ biggest weapons. He produced a sensational 4/41 in the previous meeting against Guyana, helping Antigua bowl the Warriors out for 117.
Joseph’s pace and ability to attack the stumps make him a constant threat. He also finished the league stage among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers, giving the Falcons a proven strike bowler for the knockout stage.
Evin Lewis, Amir Jangoo (wk), Karima Gore, Hasan Nawaz, Moeen Ali (c), Shadab Khan, Fabian Allen, Joshua James, Sufyan Muqeem, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph
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