CPL 2024, 27TH MATCH: Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Royals

In an exciting CPL T20 League match, the Guyana Amazon Warriors set a big target of 218 after being sent in to bat first. Despite losing eight wickets, an important partnership by Shai Hope (Player of the Match), Shimron Hetmyer, and Azam Khan laid the foundation for the impressive total. Hope’s entertaining innings and partnership with Hetmyer were crucial, as they attacked the Royals’ bowlers with ease.

Barbados Royals, in their chase, lose early wickets. Apart from Quinton de Kock and a high-quality batting display from David Miller towards the end, no other batter managed to cross the 20-run mark. The Royals could only be managed to score 172 runs in their 20 overs, falling 46 runs short of the target. A well-rounded bowling effort from the Warriors, led by Imran Tahir, Gudakesh Motie, and Dwaine Pretorius, strangled the Royals’ innings. Moeen Ali’s crucial dismissal of de Kock early on triggered a collapse that the Royals could not recover from.

Stars of the match included Shai Hope for his brilliant knock, Hetmyer for his aggressive batting, and Moeen Ali for his timely breakthroughs. Pretorius and Shepherd also contributed with some solid death bowling to keep Miller at bay in the final overs.

Player Reactions in CPL 2024 Post-Match Ceremony

Imran Tahir, Guyana Amazon Warriors captain

“It was a big game for us. The boys played really well. They set up a nice total for us to defend. It was difficult after 12 overs and the dew came in. We wanted to bat first and put a big score on the board. Really well played to Hetmyer, Hope, and Azam, who gave us a good start. Moeen bowled well, and we kept taking wickets. Proud of the boys. Nice to have those guys (Moeen, Motie, Junior Sinclair) in your group. This pitch offered a bit of spin, but the way our batters played was nice, especially in how Hetmyer and Hope handled it. They came back with a good plan, and the way they delivered, it was nice to see. Congratulations to Miller on his 500 T20 matches. He played well, but the wet ball helped him, and we couldn’t bowl Junior Sinclair due to injury.”

Rovman Powell, Barbados Royals captain

“Credit has to be given to them – they came out firing and totally outplayed us. (On Miller) To play 500 games, you must be doing something right. He has been a good player not just for South Africa but for all the teams he has played for around the world. Nice that he is getting back into form ahead of the playoffs. We know what we are going with in the playoffs, and we won’t get too down with a few losses. The real business starts next week.”

Shai Hope, Player of the Match

“I had a different game-plan going into the game today. Every time I play against the Royals, there’s a different buzz. Against left-arm spin, it’s about intent and understanding what to do – I was trying to be up for the challenge and ready. To be at your best, you have to ensure you’re mentally strong and sharp with your skills. Hetmyer and I bat well together, complementing each other and understanding when to go or hold back. As long as we keep doing that, we could go all the way.”

The match concluded with David Miller’s late fireworks not enough to change the inevitable outcome. With the Royals’ struggles, especially from their middle order, this game exposed their inconsistency again. Guyana Amazon Warriors, on the other hand, will be proud of a clinical performance that ticked all the boxes as they head towards the playoffs.