By Anas Ahmed 
Jamaica Kingsmen produced a stunning run chase at Kensington Oval to defeat Guyana Amazon Warriors and book their place in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final. In a high-pressure knockout contest, the Kingsmen overcame a formidable target of 207 after Shimron Hetmyer had produced another outstanding century for the Amazon Warriors.
The victory keeps Jamaica’s dream of winning the CPL alive in their return season. The Kingsmen will now face Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in Sunday’s final, setting up a meeting between two of the tournament’s strongest-performing teams. The final will also bring the competition full circle, with the two sides having met in the opening match of CPL 2026.
Hetmyer Powers Guyana Amazon Warriors to 206
After being asked to bat first, Guyana Amazon Warriors initially found themselves under pressure during the Powerplay. The Guyanese franchise reached only 37/2 after six overs, continuing the difficult start they experienced against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the previous match.
However, Shimron Hetmyer once again transformed the innings.
The left-hander played a breathtaking power-hitting innings, attacking the Jamaica bowling attack with remarkable consistency. Hetmyer’s innings contained more sixes than fours as he took the game away from the Kingsmen during the second half of the innings.
Shai Hope and Quentin Sampson provided valuable support, allowing Hetmyer to attack while maintaining a strong scoring rate. The Warriors gradually accelerated and turned what had looked like a modest start into a daunting total.
Hetmyer saved his best moment for the final delivery of the innings. Needing four runs to reach his century, he slashed Andre Russell over third for four to complete his second hundred of CPL 2026.
He reached the milestone from only 45 balls, underlining the extraordinary level of power and control in his innings.
Guyana Amazon Warriors eventually finished with 206, leaving Jamaica Kingsmen requiring 207 runs to reach the CPL final.
Maaz Sadaqat Explodes in the Powerplay
Jamaica’s response began at extraordinary pace.
The Kingsmen needed to maintain a high scoring rate from the outset, and Maaz Sadaqat ensured there was no hesitation. He launched an aggressive assault during the Powerplay, scoring 41 from just 17 balls and immediately shifting the pressure back onto the Amazon Warriors.
At one stage, Jamaica had raced to 42/1, demonstrating just how influential Sadaqat’s innings had been.
His dismissal came when Khary Pierre held a steepling catch, but the damage had already been done. Sadaqat’s rapid scoring had given Jamaica the platform required for the middle order to construct the chase without allowing the asking rate to become unmanageable.
Keacy Carty Keeps Jamaica’s Chase on Track
With Sadaqat gone, Keacy Carty took responsibility for the next phase of the innings.
Carty combined aggression with composure and produced a classy half-century that kept Jamaica firmly in control of the chase. Kirk McKenzie also played an important supporting role as the Kingsmen continued to chip away at the target.
The early acceleration from Sadaqat proved particularly important because it allowed Carty and McKenzie time to settle before increasing the tempo again.
For much of the chase, Jamaica appeared to be cruising towards victory.
But a dramatic twist arrived in the closing stages.
Late Wickets Create Nervous Moments
Guyana Amazon Warriors refused to surrender.
The dismissals of Carty, Saim Ayub and Andre Russell suddenly gave the Warriors hope and introduced a degree of uncertainty into a chase that had previously looked firmly under Jamaica’s control.
With the required runs still to be scored, the Kingsmen needed composure.
Rovman Powell once again found himself at the centre of a Jamaican chase in a crucial moment. The experienced campaigner helped steady the innings and ensured the Kingsmen did not allow the late collapse to turn into a complete reversal.
With the target within reach, Jamaica maintained their composure and eventually crossed the finish line.
Hassan Khan struck the runs required to seal the victory and send the Kingsmen into the CPL 2026 final.
Jamaica Kingsmen Return to the CPL Final
The result represents a major achievement for Jamaica in their return to the Caribbean Premier League.
The Kingsmen have now earned the opportunity to compete for the CPL championship after navigating one of the most challenging knockout matches of the tournament.
Rovman Powell has also once again played a central role in Jamaica’s run to the final. The Jamaican captain previously led his team to the CPL final in 2022, and he will now have another opportunity to lift the trophy.
For Guyana Amazon Warriors, the defeat brings their campaign to an end despite another exceptional tournament from Shimron Hetmyer.
The Warriors had been targeting a fourth consecutive CPL final, but their hopes were ended by Jamaica’s explosive Powerplay batting and composed middle-order response.
CPL 2026 Final Set for Sunday
Sunday’s final promises to be a fascinating contest between two teams that have already shown their ability to perform under pressure.
Jamaica Kingsmen will face Antigua & Barbuda Falcons for the 2026 CPL title, with the two teams now set to replay the tournament’s opening fixture on the biggest stage.
For Jamaica, the opportunity is particularly significant. Having returned to the competition in 2026, the Kingsmen are now just one victory away from ending their comeback season as CPL champions.
After overcoming a 206-run target against the Amazon Warriors, the Kingsmen will enter the final with momentum, confidence and another chance for Powell and his team to make CPL history.
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