The stage is set at Bridgetown’s iconic Kensington Oval for Sunday’s high-stakes Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 final, where two in-form sides – Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and Jamaica Kingsmen – will battle for the 2024 league title. Ahead of the title decider, both team captains have shared their excitement and measured confidence in pre-match media comments, setting the tone for what is expected to be a thrilling contest.
This already shapes up as a rematch of an early-season classic that kept fans on the edge of their seats. When the two squads first locked horns on August 7 at Kingston’s Sabina Park, the Falcons pulled off a dramatic last-ball victory, scraping across the line by two wickets after a tense final over. Both teams have earned their place in the final after defeating the same opponent in the playoff stage: the Falcons delivered a dominant nine-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors in Qualifier 1, while the Kingsmen responded with a five-wicket victory over the same Amazon Warriors in a high-scoring Qualifier 2 to book their spot in the title match.
Speaking at Saturday’s pre-final press briefing, Falcons captain Moeen Ali says his side has built steady momentum through the tournament, entering the final on a five-match unbeaten run. “We’ve just got better and better as the tournament’s gone on. We’ve played quite consistently, but obviously, with one more game to go, anything can happen,” Ali told reporters. “Unless you win the final, coming second doesn’t really matter so much. It’s a big game against a very, very good side, and Jamaica was the most dangerous side, in my opinion.” Ali urged his squad to stick to the game plan that has carried them this far, as they target their first title of the season.
His counterpart, Jamaica Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell, returned the compliment, acknowledging the Falcons’ strength as a deep squad filled with game-changing talent across the batting and bowling orders. For the Kingsmen, Powell says the run to the final has been the result of steady improvement after an uneven start to the tournament. “We’re pleased to be in the final. When we sat down as a group before the start of the competition, we outlined three goals; to see if we could get into the playoffs, and then our second goal was to push to the final. The third goal was when we got to the final, to cross the line,” Powell explained. “When you look at it, it’s been an up-and-down run for us. I think as the competition went on, we got progressively better as the team and started finding those winning formulas.” Powell also noted that the Falcons’ top-two finish in the group stage was no surprise, given the consistently strong cricket they have played throughout the campaign.
Both leaders also shared positive comments about the venue and the unique nature of Caribbean Premier League cricket. Ali highlighted that the CPL stands out from other T20 leagues around the globe due to its specific on-field demands and vibrant match atmosphere. “It’s very different to all the other leagues in terms of the way you play and what strengths you need. In the CPL you need to play spin well; you need to have power hitters, and as bowlers, if you don’t bowl well, you can get absolutely murdered here. It’s very unique,” Ali said. He added that variable conditions, from constant coastal wind to occasional evening dew, add an extra layer of challenge that makes the competition exciting for both players and fans. “There are different strengths you need, and it’s good to get some super talented players, and it’s a great place to play. The crowds are also outstanding,” he added.