CPL 2025: Falcons soar into playoffs after bundling Warriors for 99

Jayden Seales’ four-wicket haul and Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten half-century set up a crucial four-wicket win for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons over Guyana Amazon Warriors on Wednesday.

The win confirmed the Falcons’ place in the CPL 2025 playoffs, with 11 points from ten matches.

After the Falcons chose to bowl first, Seales struck early and often, ripping through the Amazon Warriors’ top order with pace.

His opening burst included Moeen Ali falling in the fourth over, followed by Ben McDermott’s and Shimron Hetmyer’s key wickets in the final over of the powerplay, leaving Amazon Warriors reeling at 26 for 3.

Shai Hope’s 14-ball 26, which included three fours and a six, briefly lifted the Amazon Warriors. But Usama Mir’s ninth over proved pivotal – he bowled Hope and was involved in the run-out of Hassan Khan at the non-striker’s end.

Amazon Warriors were eventually bowled out for 99 in 18.2 overs, with Mir returning 3 for 17 and Seales 4 for 15.

Chasing 100, the Falcons stumbled early, losing Andries Gous, Kevin Wickham, Karima Gore, and Shakib Al Hasan inside the powerplay, raising hopes of an Amazon Warriors fightback.

However, opener Jangoo anchored the chase with an unbeaten 51. His 57-ball stay, which included three fours and two sixes, ensured no hiccups even as more wickets fell around him.

Despite tight spells from spinners Moeen (2 for 10) and Imran Tahir (2 for 27), and a couple of late wickets, Jangoo remained composed and guided his team home with four balls to spare.

The win marked a significant step forward for the Falcons, who became the third team to qualify for the playoffs, joining the St Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders.

Mathematically, all three teams in the second half of the table – Amazon Warriors, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (six points from nine matches), and Barbados Royals (three points from seven) – are still in contention for the final playoff spot.

But if Amazon Warriors win their next game against table-toppers Kings on Saturday, they are through to the playoffs, and Patriots and Royals will be out. (ESPNcricinfo)