Hassan Nawaz, Rahkeem Cornwall Star as Falcons Defeat Knight Riders in CPL 2026

TRINIDAD: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons held their nerve to secure an eight-run victory over Trinbago Knight Riders in the 24th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain on Wednesday.

The result was built around two standout contributions. Hassan Nawaz anchored the Falcons' batting effort with 76 from 48 balls, while Rahkeem Cornwall later produced the decisive spell with the ball to keep the Knight Riders below their target.

Nawaz struck nine fours and three sixes during his innings, providing the Falcons with the platform they needed after they were sent in to bat. Moeen Ali's unbeaten 32 off 24 balls helped maintain the scoring rate, while Evin Lewis made 24 from 23 at the top of the order.

Cornwall added 20 from just seven deliveries at the start of the innings. His cameo included five boundaries and lifted Antigua and Barbuda to have the confidence to score big.

The Knight Riders' chase appeared to remain alive through Joshua Da Silva, who produced the innings' highest score. The wicketkeeper-batter made 54 off 31 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes, but the required rate continued to climb.

Kieron Pollard gave Trinbago further hope with 41 from 36 deliveries, while Nicholas Pooran's 22 off 10 balls provided a brief burst of momentum. Justin Greaves and Colin Munro also reached 18, but the Knight Riders could only reach 175 for seven by the end of their 20 overs.

Cornwall proved particularly effective when the Falcons needed wickets. He removed three batters for 17 runs from his three overs, restricting the chase during the middle and closing stages.

Joshua James took two wickets for the Falcons, with Shamar Springer adding another. The victory keeps Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the top of the CPL 2026 standings, while Trinbago Knight Riders were left eight runs short despite their late push.