SLK VS GUY T20S

So, in the end, the Guyana Amazon Warriors turned a middling total into a match-winning one with disciplined bowling and smart fielding. They booked their place in the FINAL of CPL 2025, while the defending champions Saint Lucia Kings looked DISJOINTED and will now have to regroup quickly. Their second shot comes in Qualifier 2, where they meet the Trinbago Knight Riders. That clash will be played on Saturday, 20th September, with the first ball at 5.30 am IST (12 am GMT). Do join us an hour earlier for all the pre-match analysis and buildup. Till then, take care! CIAO!

Imran Tahir, the skipper of Guyana Amazon Warriors, says that it was a great game, a very tight one in the end, but he is happy that his side got over the line. Admits that they were probably 10-15 runs short, but he told the boys that they had to believe they could defend it. He is very proud of the way they bowled and fielded, giving special mention to Dwaine Pretorius and Gudakesh Motie. Mentions that it is a great feeling to make the final in front of the Guyana fans and says he is very pleased with the character his side showed. Reflecting on the season, he admits that they have been a bit up and down, but the important thing is that they are in the final now. He signs off, saying they need a day to rest before thinking about a couple of things they can still improve.

The skipper of the Saint Lucia Kings, David Wiese, says that he is really pleased with the effort from his bowlers, admitting that bundling the opposition out for 157 is something he would take with both hands. Feels that they executed their skills pretty well with the ball. On the chase, he admits that they didn’t give themselves a real chance and that they could have batted a bit better in the middle overs. In the end, it became too much for the tail-enders, though he is happy to see that Khary Pierre stepped up and even Tymal Mills contributed with some runs. Looking ahead, he points out that with plenty of good batters in the top order, it’s now about taking responsibility. Stresses that they need to take the learnings from this game and move on to the next.

Gudakesh Motie is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant bowling performance. Mentions that it was an amazing match overall. Adds that they went in with a positive mindset, and it worked out well. Shares that he is reaping the rewards for the effort he has been putting in behind the scenes. Expresses happiness to have contributed to taking the team to the final. Ends by thanking the fans for their support.

Time for the Post-Match Presentations...

Earlier in the match, David Wiese won the toss and invited the Warriors to bat first. Guyana, too, had their struggles with the bat. Ben McDermott gave them a good start, while Quentin Sampson struggled to find timing at the other end. Shai Hope anchored, but regular wickets never allowed them to explode. Tabraiz Shamsi and skipper Wiese were brilliant, with Joseph also chipping in. It was only due to cameos from Pretorius and Shepherd that lifted the Warriors past 150, with 157 feeling par at best on this surface because of their exceptional bowling and fielding.

The late fireworks from Pierre and Mills gave the Kings hope, but their fight was always against the tide. Imran Tahir’s experience proved invaluable as he dismissed Aaron Jones and Joseph at crucial moments, while Shepherd and Pretorius kept applying pressure with tight lines. Hassan Khan chipped in at the end, and the Kings’ innings folded at 143, underlining their lack of composure in crunch situations.

Chasing 158 in such a high-stakes game, the Kings crumbled early under relentless pressure, despite taking the momentum with them after the break of the first inning. Dwaine Pretorius and Romario Shepherd struck in the Powerplay, reducing them to 12/3 within three overs. From there, it was a landslide, where Gudakesh Motie bowled with guile and venom, grabbing a match-winning 4/30, including the prized wickets of Roston Chase and Tim David in successive balls. When skipper David Wiese fell cheaply, the Kings were tottering at 48/7 inside nine overs, a collapse that showcased their FRAGILE temperament on the big night.

Who handled the PRESSURE better? And who buckled under the weight of Qualifier 1? The Guyana Amazon Warriors answered both questions with authority, defending a modest 157 and have now stormed into the CPL FINAL 2025. In a match where the Kings’ top and middle order left much to be desired, it was only a spirited fight from Khary Pierre and Tymal Mills that stretched the game till the last over. With 15 needed off the final six balls, it could have swung anywhere, but Hassan Khan and Tahir combined to seal a memorable 14-run win for the Warriors.

OUT! CAUGHT! Hassan Khan lands the final blow! Guyana Amazon Warriors are through to the 2025 CPL final! Not sure if it was the plan to keep the length on the shorter side but it is near the tramline and slower through the air. Tymal Mills is made to reach out and tries to flat bat it down the ground. He is through his shot early and it goes only as far as cover, where Imran Tahir does the rest. Guyana win by 14 runs and become the first team to reach the grand finale!

OUT! CAUGHT! Hassan Khan lands the final blow! Guyana Amazon Warriors are through to the 2025 CPL final! Not sure if it was the plan to keep the length on the shorter side but it is near the tramline and slower through the air. Tymal Mills is made to reach out and tries to flat bat it down the ground. He is through his shot early and it goes only as far as cover, where Imran Tahir does the rest. Guyana win by 14 runs and become the first team to reach the grand finale!

Right then, how can we have a playoff match and that too, a Qualifier 1, without any drama? The Saint Lucia Kings need 15 off the last over, and with Tymal Mills back on strike, they will back themselves to get over the line. The skipper of the Warriors, Imran Tahir, has handed the ball to Hassan Khan to bowl these final six deliveries.

Tabraiz Shamsi negotiates it well! Shephrd goes full, on the off stump. Tabraiz Shamsi walks down the track and covers the line. Keeps it out on the off side. Shamsi has done his bit. Saint Lucia Kings need 15 runs from the final over!

Romario Shepherd attempts the yorker but it ends up being a low full toss, on middle. Mills pushes it to long on for a single. Shamsi is left with one ball to face.

FOUR! Tymal Mills continues to find the ropes off the edges! Romario hurls it on a length, outside off. Mills swings with all his might and gets an outside edge that flies through the gap between the keeper and the short third fielder for a four. 16 needed off 8 for Saint Lucia.

Full and straight, at the stumps. Tabraiz Shamsi walks down the track and looks to cover the line of the ball. Hangs his bat out and gets an inside edge that rolls to deep fine leg for a run.

Bowled into the wicket but the pace is taken off, on middle. Tymal pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.