The debutant Jamaica Kingsmen advanced to the 2026 Caribbean Premier League final after completing the highest successful run-chase in the tournament’s knockout history to defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval.
Chasing a target of 207, the Kingsmen finished on 207/5 with two balls remaining. Captain Rovman Powell led the chase with an unbeaten 40 from 17 deliveries, including four sixes. The result confirms a final against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Sunday, September 20.
Earlier in the evening, Shimron Hetmyer scored 102* off 45 balls. His innings featured eight sixes and four fours, marking his second century of the 2026 season and his third overall in CPL history. Despite the defeat, Hetmyer shared the Player of the Match award with Powell.
The Kingsmen chase began with Maaz Sadaqat, who scored 41 runs off 17 deliveries during the powerplay. The middle order maintained the required rate before Powell’s late assault secured the five-wicket victory.
The match also featured a milestone for Guyana’s Imran Tahir. The 47-year-old leg-spinner became the all-time leading wicket-taker in CPL history, reaching 146 wickets to surpass the record of 145 previously held by Sunil Narine.
Powell noted the team’s performance in the knockout stage. “Once you get a Jamaican team into the playoffs, they’re dangerous. I know it’s showtime,” he said.
Hetmyer praised the opposition captain despite the elimination of the Warriors. “The credit belongs to Ravi. He is one hell of a guy to do such a thing… I am extremely disappointed in losing the game, but it could not have happened to a better guy,” Hetmyer said, referring to Powell by his nickname.
The Kingsmen reached the final after a season start that included losing their first three matches. The 2026 CPL final will take place on Sunday in Bridgetown.
