Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Qualifier 1, CPL 2026 Guyana Amazon Warriors will face Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in a high-stakes Qualifier 1 of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League. The winner will qualify directly for the CPL final, while the losing side will receive another opportunity through Qualifier 2.
The match is scheduled as a night game at Kensington Oval, with the first innings expected to run from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM local time, followed by the interval and second innings.
This is the first major knockout game of the CPL 2026 playoffs. Guyana Amazon Warriors finished the league stage at the top of the table with eight wins from nine matches, collecting 16 points and recording an excellent net run rate. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons finished second with six wins, three defeats and one no-result, earning 13 points.
The importance of Qualifier 1 is enormous. The winner progresses straight to the final, gaining extra preparation time and avoiding the pressure of another elimination match. The loser will still remain in the competition but must win Qualifier 2 to reach the title decider.
Guyana will want to recover quickly after a disappointing end to the league phase. They were bowled out for only 99 by Barbados Tridents in their previous match and lost by six wickets. Antigua, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after beating the Warriors by 65 runs earlier in the season.
Kensington Oval generally offers a balanced T20 surface with good pace and bounce. Batters can play attacking strokes once they settle, while new-ball bowlers may receive some movement during the opening overs. Recent reports also suggest that the surface can become slower as the innings progresses, bringing spinners and cutters into the contest.
GAW vs ABF Match Details
CPL 2026 Live Streaming Info
Free Streaming: CPL T20 Official Website & App (free live stream in select Caribbean territories)
- Pakistan: Free Streaming: ARY ZAP, Tamasha
- India: Free Streaming: JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar (select promotions)
- United Kingdom: Free Streaming: BBC iPlayer (selected matches), Sky Sports highlights
- United States & Canada: Free Streaming: Willow TV (via Fubo/Sling free trial), ICC.tv (unsold regions)
- Australia: Free 7plus, Kayo Freebies
- South Africa: Free Streaming: SABC+
- Bangladesh: Free Streaming: Toffee, Rabbithole BD
- Sri Lanka: Dialog ViU, SLRC digital
Live Streaming Info:
The CPL T20 2026 will be live on CPL T20 Live.
WILLOW HD will be live.
Live Score Info:
Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Qualifier 1: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
The square boundaries are not always easy to clear, so smart running between the wickets could be just as important as power hitting. Captains may prefer to bowl first, particularly if dew arrives later in the evening. A competitive first-innings total should be around 160 to 175, although a disciplined bowling attack could make even 150 difficult to chase.
Weather Update
Bridgetown is expected to remain warm and humid during the match, with temperatures close to 28–30°C. Forecast information indicates partly cloudy conditions and only a limited risk of rain around the evening, although passing showers remain possible in the Caribbean climate.
If the match is affected by rain, both teams will need to adjust their batting plans quickly. A shortened game would favour explosive top-order players and bowlers who can deliver accurate variations under pressure.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have played five previous CPL matches, with Guyana Amazon Warriors leading the overall record 4–1. There has been no tie or no-result in those five meetings.
The latest meeting is particularly relevant. Antigua scored 182 for 5 before dismissing Guyana for 117 in just 14.2 overs. Alzarri Joseph was the standout performer with four wickets, while the Falcons’ batting unit produced one of its most complete displays of the season.
Guyana Amazon Warriors Analysis
Guyana’s biggest strength is their depth. Their squad combines international experience, aggressive batting and several bowling options. Shai Hope provides control at the top, while Glenn Phillips and Shimron Hetmyer can change the game rapidly in the middle overs. Hetmyer’s unbeaten 111 against Trinbago Knight Riders earlier in the campaign showed his ability to dominate an attack when he gets settled.
The Warriors also have valuable all-round options. Mehidy Hasan Miraz can contribute with both bat and ball, Romario Shepherd remains a dangerous finisher, and Shamar Joseph offers pace and hostility. Imran Tahir’s experience in pressure matches gives Guyana another important weapon, especially if the Kensington Oval pitch slows down.
Their recent weakness has been batting consistency. The 99 all out against Barbados exposed problems against disciplined bowling, particularly when the top order failed to establish a platform. Guyana must avoid losing early wickets and should not depend entirely on Hetmyer, Phillips or Shepherd to rescue the innings.
Key players: Shai Hope, Glenn Phillips, Shimron Hetmyer, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Romario Shepherd, Imran Tahir and Shamar Joseph.
Probable XI: Shai Hope, Mavendra Dindyal, Glenn Phillips, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Dwaine Pretorius, Khary Pierre, Imran Tahir.
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Analysis
Antigua have already demonstrated that they can trouble Guyana’s attack. Their 182 for 5 in the previous meeting was built on aggressive top-order batting and strong finishing. Evin Lewis is capable of putting pressure on the new-ball bowlers immediately, while Moeen Ali offers experience, tactical awareness and useful off-spin.
The Falcons’ bowling attack is their greatest advantage in this contest. Alzarri Joseph brings speed and bounce, Jayden Seales can attack the stumps with the new ball, and Fabian Allen provides a left-arm spin option. Shadab Khan adds control, wicket-taking ability and batting depth. If the pitch becomes slow, the Falcons have enough variations to restrict Guyana’s powerful hitters.
Their concern is that the batting can become vulnerable if Lewis and Moeen are removed early. Antigua also need their middle order to rotate the strike rather than relying only on six-hitting. Against a deep Guyana attack, losing wickets in clusters could quickly put them under pressure.
Key players: Evin Lewis, Moeen Ali, Shadab Khan, Fabian Allen, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Amir Jangoo.
Probable XI: Evin Lewis, Amir Jangoo, Hasan Nawaz, Moeen Ali, Shadab Khan, Fabian Allen, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Joshua James, Sufyan Moqim, Jayden Seales.
Prediction
Guyana Amazon Warriors remain the slightly stronger overall side because of their league-stage record, superior head-to-head history and greater batting depth. However, Antigua’s recent 65-run victory proves that the Falcons have the bowling quality and confidence to defeat them again.
The toss could be important, with bowling first likely to be the preferred option if the surface offers early movement or evening dew. Guyana should win if their top order bats for the first 10 overs and avoids another collapse. Antigua will be dangerous if Lewis provides a fast start and Joseph strikes during the powerplay.
Guyana Amazon Warriors to win a closely fought contest, although Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have a realistic chance of reaching the final if their fast bowlers reproduce their performance from the teams’ previous meeting.