Shadab Smashes Nine-Ball 30 as Falcons Storm Into CPL Playoffs

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons booked their place in the CPL playoffs with a commanding 65-run victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on Tuesday.

The Falcons posted 182-5 before Alzarri Joseph and Shadab Khan combined to rip through the Warriors, who folded for 117 in just 14.2 overs.

Falcons Set the Platform

Asked to bat first, Antigua and Barbuda put together a competitive 182-5 from their 20 overs.

Hassan Nawaz led the scoring with 36 from 27 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. Amir Jangoo added 27 from 30 deliveries, while Karima Gore chipped in with 23 off 18.

Evin Lewis also provided a quick 22 from 18 balls, clearing the ropes twice.

But the late charge belonged to Shadab. The Pakistan all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 30 from only nine balls, launching three sixes and two fours to give the Falcons a strong finish.

That burst proved important. The Warriors had plenty of batting firepower, but 183 was always going to demand a serious chase.

Joseph Tears Through Warriors

Guyana's reply never really got going.

Mavendra Dindyal gave the home side some hope with a brisk 25 from 13 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Mohammad Nabi scored 23 from 22, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed 18.

Once Dindyal departed, the innings lost momentum quickly.

Joseph was the main reason. The fast bowler finished with 4-41 from his four overs, repeatedly breaking partnerships and keeping the Warriors under pressure.

Sufyan Moqim, Shadab Khan and Joshua James took two wickets each as Guyana were bowled out for 117.

The collapse came quickly, with the Warriors losing their final wickets inside 14.2 overs. The Falcons had little trouble closing out a result that suddenly puts them in a strong position.

Shadab Makes the Difference

Shadab's contribution came at both ends of the game. His nine-ball assault lifted the Falcons beyond 180, before his two wickets helped shut down the chase.

For the CPL playoffs, the result is a major step forward for Antigua and Barbuda. They now have a winning combination built around aggressive batting and a bowling attack capable of taking wickets in clusters.

Joseph supplied the strike power with the ball. Shadab provided the all-round impact.

For Guyana, the defeat will sting. They had the chase in their hands only briefly before the Falcons turned the pressure into a complete collapse.

Match at a glance

Team	Score	Result
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons	182-5 (20 overs)	Won by 65 runs
Guyana Amazon Warriors	117 (14.2 overs)	Lost
Top Falcons batter	Shadab Khan, 30* off 9
Top Falcons bowler	Alzarri Joseph, 4-41

The Falcons now head into the next stage with momentum, while the Warriors are left to reflect on a chase that unravelled far too quickly.