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The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 witnessed a one-sided contest in Match 9 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, where Guyana Amazon Warriors outplayed Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in every department. Backed by a batting masterclass from Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer and a vintage spell from Imran Tahir, the Warriors clinched a thumping 83-run victory to continue their strong run in the tournament.
Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer sizzle with the bat
After opting to bat first, the Warriors piled up a massive 211/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a spectacular middle-order assault from Hope and Hetmyer. Hope was the anchor of the innings, compiling a classy 82 off 54 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes. He held one end firm while Hetmyer launched a brutal counterattack, smashing 65 runs off just 26 deliveries with five fours and five towering sixes. Their partnership, aided by a late cameo from Romario Shepherd (25 off 8), propelled Guyana to a formidable total.
For the Falcons, Imad Wasim stood out with the ball, returning figures of 1/20 in his four overs, while Jayden Seales (1/34) and Obed McCoy (1/47) managed to strike but were taken apart during the onslaught.
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Imran Tahir’s masterclass bowling steers Guyana Amazon Warriors to dominating win
Chasing 212, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons had a promising start with Jewel Andrew (13 off 6) and Rahkeem Cornwall (10 off 3) finding early boundaries. However, once the openers fell, the innings collapsed under relentless pressure. Karima Gore provided brief resistance with a quickfire 31 off 14, and Bevon Jacobs chipped in with 26, but none of the batters managed to convert their starts into a significant innings.
The destroyer-in-chief was veteran leg-spinner Tahir, who turned back the clock with a sensational spell. He ripped through the middle and lower order, finishing with figures of 5/21 in his four overs. His variations and guile left the Falcons clueless as they were bundled out for just 128 in 15.2 overs. Romario Shepherd (2/16) and Dwaine Pretorius (2/44) also played key supporting roles with the ball.
Tahir’s five-wicket haul rightly earned him the Player of the Match award, while Hope and Hetmyer’s batting heroics laid the foundation for the comprehensive win.
Imran Tahir registers his best-ever figures in T20 cricket#cricket #CPL2025 #playerofthematch #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Af03HyjbPz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 23, 2025