Guyana Amazon Warriors continued their dominating run in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after closing off the group stage with an 88-run win over Barbados Royals last night.
Warriors, asked to bat first and equalled the highest score at the National Stadium Providence and their highest total in CPL history, 226 for seven from their quota. Royals were restricted to 138 for six as they closed their campaign.
The hosts were off to a flyer, taking 16 runs off the first over but despite 62 runs on the board, Warriors lost their two openers, Odean Smith (21) and Saim Ayub (16) within the powerplay.
Nevertheless, that brought Shai Hope to the fray as he chalked up his maiden T20 century. The right-hander ensured records tumbled as this marked the first time in CPL history, five centuries were scored while being the third fastest ever only behind Andre Russell who has the two fastest tons in the league history.
Hope’s 106 came from just 44 balls and featured eight sixes as well as nine fours. He forged a 132-run stand for the third wicket alongside debutant Kevlon Anderson who made 47 from 39 balls before a leading edge ended his stay just short of a half-century.
In the chase, Royals looked up to the task, taking 14 runs off the second over but with the ball shaping away from Rahkeem Cornwall, all he could have done was guide a Dwaine Pretorious delivery into the hands of Ayub at first slip.
From there, it was all downhill for the visitors with the spinners in action. Gudakesh Motie had Justin Greaves stumped for 16 and Laurie Evans bowled for 13 while Imran Tahir bowled dangerman, Rovman Powell for four and had Alick Athanaze, trapped leg before wicket for six. Tahir continued his exploits and eventually ended with 3-23.
In the carnage, Rivaldo Clarke showed his maturity with an unbeaten 54 from 43 balls, laced with eight boundaries while Carlos Brathwaite supported with 18 not out from 14 balls as they shared in a 52-run partnership.
