Match 28: Skipper Tahir leading from the front in Guyana’s victory

Imran Tahir, Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) shows an incredible spell in the batting paradise. In this run chase Guyana beat Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by 6 wickets

After batting first Knight Riders posted 176/8 in 20 overs which Warriors chased down easily in 18.2 overs and scored 177/4. 

Knight Riders won their last encounter with St Lucia Kings (SLK) by 7 wickets. Whereas Guyans’s winning streak was broken by SLK’s Rajapaksa by 7 wickets. 

After winning the toss Guyana opted to bowl first. 

Keacy Carty (83 runs) plays an important role in Knight Riders innings. He hit 7 fours and 4 sixes in his knock. He was well supported by Chadwick Walton (27 runs). Though Walton played a little slow as he took 27 balls to reach there, Carty filled the gap. Mark Deyal (37 runs) also showed his great opening skills and his destruction helped the run rate early on. They posted 176 runs by the end of 20 overs and lost 8 wickets. 

Imran Tahir showed his experience and took 3 wickets in his 4 overs spell and gave away only 12 runs. All the reaiming bowlers were beaten by the Trinbago batters. Dwaine Pretorious, Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul took 1 wicket each.     

A great performance shown by the Guayana batters. Saim Ayub (37 runs) again got his rhythm back and was highly supported by Odean Smith (44 runs) in the opening. Smith was given a new role and he satisfied the skipper pretty well. Both of them provided 56 runs for the opening wicket. Saim is looking in just incredible form in this CPL. 

Shai Hope (54 runs) remains stuck on one end and remains unbeaten till the end. He hit 2 fours and 3 sixes in his knock. In the end Guyana easily chased down the target in 18.2 overs and scored 177 runs by losing only 4 wickets.   

Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, Terrance Hinds and Mark Deyal got 1 wicket each.   

These are number 1 and 2 teams in the points table and have already qualified for the playoffs. GAW is topping the table with 15 points in 9 matches whereas TKR is at 13 points in 10 matches and are placed in number 2 spot

Imran Tahir, GAW Captain and Player of the Match

“It has been difficult bowling here. We didn’t have much dew while bowling first. I tried using my variations. I am pleased I did the job for my team. One needs to be brave. I didn’t want to put any pressure on any juniors and hence bowled at the death. Odean was a little in and out with the ball.  

It is very electrifying. The people love cricket here. I want to thank every fan. I am just grateful. Just a great atmosphere to play cricket here. It was a win at the end of the day. They rested their big players but the win will give us confidence. We are enjoying each other’s success. I am a kind of a guy who loves to take on challenges. Motie has opened for us. Today was Smith. You see the atmosphere and are ready to roll.”

Kieron Pollard, TKR Captain

“I think we got what we wanted from this. Keacy played well. Was about giving opportunities. We got what we wanted from a batting perspective. In hindsight, we got only 12 runs from the last two overs. Keacy coming in and exploding at the end was remarkable. I am not too sure about Guptill. We will look forward to having a good encounter on Tuesday. We were decent. Hinds executed decently well. Hosein executed as well. Was a very good game of cricket for us barring the fielding. May the best team win on Friday.”

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