In the finals of the Carrebian Premier League 2023, the Guyana Amazon Warriors beat the Trinbago Knight Riders by nine wickets to win their maiden CPL Trophy. After an amazing bowling performance, the Guyana batters chased the mere 95-run target within 14 overs to win the game. With this victory, Guyana ended their 10-year trophy quest.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Guyana skipper Imran Tahir opted to bowl first. His decision went well with the team, as the Trinbago batters failed to hold nerves. In the high-pressure game, they failed against the sheer pace of African pacer Dwayne Pretorius. He clinched four wickets, including those of dangerous Mark Deyal and Nicholas Pooran. For Trinbago, Keacy Carty was the highest run scorer as he tried to control one end.
Carty, in his inning, scored 38 runs off 45 balls with the help of two fours and a six. However, his performance went in vain as Trinbago got bundled up for a mere 94 runs. Apart from Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie and skipper Imran Tahir clinched two wickets each and stitched a history to remember for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Saim Ayub continues to impress with the bat
Chasing a below-par total, the Guyana Amazon Warriors got off to a shaky start. They lost opener Kemo Paul for a mere 15 runs. However, after his departure, Pakistani batters Saim Ayub and Shai Hope continued their dominance. Both added a match-winning partnership of 84 runs for the second wicket. Ayub, in his innings, scored another half-century as he toyed with the morale of the Trinbago bowlers.
Ayub scored an unbeaten 52 runs off 41 balls with the help of two fours and five sixes. On the other hand, Hope in his innings scored unbeaten 32 runs off 32 balls with the help of two boundaries. For Trinbago Knight Riders, spinner Akeal Hossain clinched a wicket for Kemo Paul. After this resounding victory, Guyana skipper Imran Tahir also praised India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for encouraging him before the tournament.
Here is how fans react to the Guyana Amazon Warriors' maiden CPL victory:
How our 2nd admin be after being a fan since 2013 pic.twitter.com/oHyMIXXPdj
— Carib Beer (@Thecaribbeer) September 25, 2023
Saim Ayub, Upcoming Superstar of Pakistan Cricket 🇵🇰 ❤️🔥
— Maze (@Maze_6999) September 25, 2023
After decades you guys made fans proud:) congratulations to each team and admire you play like family and Tahir..you have done it!!!! Love you alll
— Elizabeth (@lizxingkwong) September 25, 2023
I have never seen a biased Tournament like CPL ever! The player of the tournament should go to Saim Ayub for a tremendous performance. Most six most four hits by him most runs also. only just 3 runs behind Hope. They gave a award for a longest six but they forget mist sixes
— Asif Mahmud (@AsifMah23797357) September 25, 2023
Congratulations Guyana Amazon Warriors. 🇬🇾
— Cricket Connected 🇮🇳 🏏 (@CricketConnect9) September 25, 2023
I love how happy Tahir is... this is lovely to see..
— Earlyn G.L. 🇹🇹 #TensionKylieM #BringBackKRISTA (@med_lyn20704) September 25, 2023
@Shoaib_Jatt isko pakistan ka captain bana dein...kya bolte ho?
— ReplyingBot (@Da__Sill) September 25, 2023
What a player !
— SJ Sharif (@ShahSaysPK) September 25, 2023
Future of Pakistan cricket.