In a breathtaking display of cricketing prowess, the Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched their maiden championship in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPLT20) by defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders by an emphatic nine wickets Sunday night at the Providence National Stadium.
Under the inspirational captaincy of Imran Tahir, the Warriors etched their names in the annals of cricket history, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide in the process.
Tahir, who took on the role of captaincy with immense pride, expressed his gratitude and elation after the resounding victory. “I wanted to be the captain leading the team for the first time who can do it for this beautiful nation, and I am really grateful to the almighty that we achieved this today. Thank you to the beautiful people of this country, who came and supported us as always; it’s been incredible. I am just really happy and really pleased,” exclaimed Tahir.
The South African leg-spin wizard, who is known for his fiery spirit on the field, cited the team’s hunger for success as a driving force behind their exceptional performance. “I think it’s the hunger, and if you are playing cricket with the youngsters, you need to play in a competitive way. Otherwise, I think there’s no sense playing in any sport,” Tahir stated.
He acknowledged the critics and naysayers who doubted his abilities, revealing that their skepticism served as a powerful motivator. “Coming into the competition, I had a lot of negative messages from all over the world, which I am really grateful for. I’m the kind of guy who likes to fight and do things which are impossible,” he declared.
Guyana Amazon Warriors’ path to glory was marked by their consistent performances throughout the tournament, earning them the title of the best team in the competition. Tahir emphasized the significance of the legacy they leave behind. “This is the legacy you leave, people are going to look up to Keemo Paul, (Shimron) Hetmyer, (Romario) Shepherd, all the other youngsters coming through, Shamar (Joseph), we picked him up from the nets, (Ronsford) Beaton, he came back and bowled 145-147,” he highlighted.
It was a collective effort from the team with Shai Hope finishing as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and leading run scorer with 481 runs while Saim Ayub was three runs behind in second on the char. Dwaine Pretorius topped the bowling charts with 20 wickets, ahead of Tahir (18), Gudakesh Motie (15) and Romaro Shepherd (12).
The victory was a testament to the Warriors’ unwavering determination and belief in their abilities. With a dynamic blend of experienced campaigners and budding talents, they showcased cricket at its finest, making their nation proud.
This historic triumph will undoubtedly inspire a generation of cricketers in Guyana and beyond, reminding them that with dedication, resilience, and a burning desire to succeed, they too can achieve the impossible.
As the celebrations continue, Guyana’s cricket-loving population and fans worldwide will forever remember the day when the Amazon Warriors soared to victory, bringing home the coveted CPLT20 trophy and etching a glorious chapter in Caribbean cricket history.
