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The Guyana Amazon Warriors registered a nail-biting 3-wicket victory over Antigua and Barbuda in the second match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. The match, held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, provided plenty of entertainment, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance in a closely contested game.
Antigua and Barbuda post competitive total
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Guyana Amazon Warriors faced a determined batting performance from Antigua and Barbuda. Despite losing early wickets, Fakhar Zaman (40 off 33 balls) and Kofi James (37 off 24 balls) steadied the ship for the home team. Zaman’s powerful shots, combined with James’ elegant stroke play, laid the foundation for a competitive total. Imad Wasim‘s late flourish of 40 runs off just 21 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, pushed Antigua and Barbuda to a respectable score of 168/6 in their 20 overs.
The standout bowler for Guyana Amazon Warriors was Gudakesh Motie, who claimed 3 wickets for 25 runs in his four overs, breaking crucial partnerships and restricting Antigua and Barbuda from accelerating towards a bigger total. Dwaine Pretorius also chipped in with a wicket while maintaining a disciplined line and length.
Guyana Amazon Warriors chase down target in tense finish
Chasing 169, the Guyana Amazon Warriors were off to a shaky start, losing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 20 off 14 balls. However, Shai Hope anchored the innings with a well-compiled 41 off 34 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking with his smart shot selection. Wickets fell at regular intervals, but a late surge from Romario Shepherd (32 off 16 balls) and Pretorius (20 off 10 balls) brought the Warriors back into the game.
As the match entered its final overs, tension escalated with Antigua and Barbuda applying pressure through disciplined bowling. Chris Green (2/32) and Wasim (2/28) kept the Warriors on edge with timely breakthroughs. However, it was Shepherd’s explosive batting, coupled with support from Pretorius and Shamar Joseph, that ultimately sealed the deal for Guyana Amazon Warriors. They chased down the target with three wickets in hand, finishing at 171/7 in 20 overs.
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Gudakesh Motie shines as Player of the Match
Motie’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. His crucial wickets during Antigua and Barbuda’s innings helped contain their score, while his cameo of 6 runs off 4 balls, including a six, provided momentum at the back end of the chase.
The CPL 2024 continues to deliver thrilling contests, with this match being a fine example of the talent and competitive spirit in the tournament. Guyana Amazon Warriors will look to build on this victory, while Antigua and Barbuda will seek to regroup and come back stronger in their next fixture.
