CPL 2021: Guyana Amazon Warriors snatch victory from jaws of defeat to move into semi-final spots

Every T20 league bears witness to comeback wins, with such encounters adding a different spark altogether to the season’s action. The match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings at Warner Park on Wednesday night, was one such instance with the former pulling off a triumph against the odds. The Kings needed just 63 runs from 48 deliveries having been handed a target of 152 runs, with wickets in the bag as well. However, a sensational performance by Naveen-ul-Haq, Romario Shepherd and Odean Smith helped throttle the momentum of the opposition.

Fine display by Naveen-ul-Haq proves crucial

Tim David broke the streak with a six in the final over off Naveen but it was certainly too late, with the team needing 18 runs off the final three deliveries in order to push the tie into a super over. It was eventually too steep a target to overcome for the Kings who suffered a close defeat, in an encounter where they should have certainly ensured a win. Gudakesh Motie and Smith were the pick of the bowlers, accounting for two dismissals. Imran Tahir and Naveen chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Brandon King was the hero for the Amazon Warriors in the first innings with the bat, smashing 77 runs off 57 deliveries. King’s knock comprised of eight boundaries and three sixes. Nicholas Pooran and Smith ensured a fine finish down the order, accumulating 25 and 18 runs respectively. Jeavor Royal and Wahab Riaz delivered a fine performance for the Kings, chipping in with two dismissals. Obed McCoy and Roston Chase accounted for a dismissal apiece.

“Catches do win matches but fortunately, we came out on the winning side”

Pooran was full of praise for his bowlers, admitting that some fine fielding by the players did play a crucial role in the final result being in their favour.

“Catches do win matches but fortunately, we came out on the winning side. I thought we had a chance with 160. We knew that the pitch had help for the spinners and we had many of them. It’s tough with a short boundary at one end. All the bowlers were really good. It was an important win,” he said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Kings skipper Faf du Plessis emphasised on the importance of batting well till the end, admitting that the players were good only for 15 overs.

“We played well for 15 overs (with the bat) but that’s the thing with this format. It’s important to bat well all the way through. They bowled really well at the back end. We thought it was a par total. It was gettable,” stated Du Plessis.

Motie was named as the Player of the Match for his game-changing spell.

“It feels really good. The management has really supported me. I’ve learnt a lot from Tahir and all the overseas players,” he said.

It has been an interesting CPL so far especially considering the scenario surrounding St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. The Patriots were unbeaten not so long ago. However, they have now been relegated to their third consecutive defeat, following a loss against Jamaica Tallawahs by a margin of 22 runs in a league encounter. The absence of Sherfane Rutherford who missed out after splitting the webbing on his hand and Dwayne Bravo certainly played a crucial role in determining the final scoreline. The duo had been key contributors in the previous fixture between these sides a week ago.