October 5, 2024
The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) advanced to the final of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League following a dominant all-round performance against the Barbados Royals.
The team was propelled by key contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shai Hope, and Romario Shepherd.
After winning the toss, GAW elected to bowl first, quickly claiming the wicket of Quinton de Kock, who scored 15 runs, with the Royals at just 16 runs.
Shortly after, the Warriors struck again, dismissing Rahkeem Cornwall for 19 runs.
The Royals managed to establish a brief partnership between Alick Athanaze, who made 26 runs, and Kadeem Alleyne, who added 11.
However, the duo’s efforts were short-lived, as Alleyne fell in the 10th over, followed by Athanaze’s dismissal in the 11th.
The situation deteriorated further for the Royals when their captain, Rovman Powell, was dismissed for 12 runs, leaving the team struggling at 87 for 5.
David Miller and Jason Holder attempted to rebuild the innings, pushing the score to 139 runs before Miller was dismissed in the 19th over.
Holder was the last wicket to fall in the final over, and the Royals finished their innings at 148 runs, hindered by excellent fielding from the Warriors.
In pursuit of 149 runs for victory, GAW’s opening pair of Gurbaz and Moeen Ali got off to a strong start, combining for 54 runs within the first five overs.
Gurbaz scored 40 runs before his dismissal in the fifth over. Hope then took charge, scoring 56 runs off just 33 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Ali contributed 44 runs as they built a partnership of 93 runs, leading GAW to a comfortable win and securing their place in the CPL final.