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In a thrilling finish that has become synonymous with the Caribbean Premier League, the Guyana Amazon Warriors once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. This time, it was Dwaine Pretorius who played the hero, hammering Mohammad Amir for three fours and a six in the final over to secure a 3-wicket win over the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
A slow start from the Warriors
Chasing 169 for victory, the Warriors got off to a shaky start. The early dismissal from Gudakesh Motie put a slight dent in their plans, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s explosive innings provided a much-needed boost. His two sixes in an over off Shamar Springer helped the Warriors get their chase back on track. However, Imad Wasim‘s clever bowling removed Gurbaz, and the Warriors found themselves struggling at 68/3 at the halfway stage.
Shimron Hetmyer and Azam Khan’s struggles
Shimron Hetmyer, despite hitting a four and a six, failed to make a significant impact, falling for 19 off 21 balls. Azam Khan‘s unfortunate dismissal, struck by a short ball from Springer and trapped LBW, further complicated the Warriors’ chase.
A resurgent effort from Warriors
Keemo Paul and Shai Hope‘s cameos, including a six apiece, provided some hope for the Warriors. However, the Falcons’ bowlers kept the pressure on, and Hope’s dismissal for 41 left the Warriors needing 16 runs from the final over.
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Dwaine Pretorius’ heroic finish
Enters Pretorius, facing Mohammad Amir, a seasoned bowler known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball, Pretorius displayed exceptional skill, composure, and power.
With 16 runs needed to win off the final over, Pretorius knew that every ball was crucial. His first delivery was a dot ball, increasing the tension in the stadium. However, Pretorius responded by hitting the next three balls for fours out of 4-balls faced, showcasing his ability to find the gaps in the field.
The pressure mounted as the sixth ball of the over approached. Pretorius needed a boundary to win the match. Facing a full delivery from Amir, Pretorius launched the ball over the boundary, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The Warriors had achieved a remarkable comeback, and Pretorius had become the hero of the moment.
Here’s the video:
WHAT A GAME, WHAT A FINISH! #CPL #CPL24 #ABFvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/G0xGKbE4Ns
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 31, 2024
Falcons’ solid batting effort
Earlier in the match, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons had put up a respectable total of 168. Fakhar Zaman and Kofi James formed a solid partnership, scoring 74 runs together. Zaman’s 40 off 33 balls and James’ 37 provided a strong foundation for the Falcons.
Gudakesh Motie’s impact on the game
However, the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ bowling attack, led by Motie, kept the Falcons in check. Motie’s 3 for 25, including the wickets of Sam Billings and Jewel Andrew, played a crucial role in restricting the Falcons’ scoring.
The match between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons was a thrilling contest that showcased the excitement and unpredictability of the Caribbean Premier League. The last-ball finish provided a fitting end to a match that will be remembered for years to come.
