Dear Editor,
Written off by many, including yours truly, the newest oil producing nation triumphantly sent shockwaves with seismic proportions throughout the Caribbean as it marches into the qualifying stage of CPL tenth edition, with dominance and flair so reminiscent of previous tournaments. In what seemed like an incontrovertible early exit at the commencement of the tournament, the Warriors reminded us why they are still a potent force to reckon with.
Scripted like something out of movie, a resurgent Warriors team has miraculously and incredulously qualified for the playoffs of CPL tenth edition, possibly buoyed by the home crowd support, the ubiquitous and animated President of Cooperative Republic at these games, the inclusion of the young and effervescent Afghanistan and the Bangladeshi veteran. Whatever is responsible for the change in fortune, it is fair to say that the team has been unrelenting on home soil, so far.
Needing a win from their final two games to make it to the playoffs, they met with familiar foes yet again but this time on home soil, which was engulfed by an ocean of Warriors’ supporters. However, their familiar collapse against the Trinbago Knight Riders when in a position of dominance in the previous encounter coupled with the mental scars of being the perennial whipping boys against them, was sufficient to fuel cautious optimism of a favourable outcome. However, the Warriors had different plans, and as fate would have it, the rest is history.
It is evident that the team has grown from strength to strength, albeit more needs to be done as we progress further into the tournament. But for now, we must be thankful for small mercies. When it seemed as though we would falter against the Tallawahs on home soil, a resolute Shai Hope’s form finding knock and the gladiatorial Smith reignited the fire of belief in a team which was already on its knees.
We have seen some spectacular fielding and miserly bowling spells from young Motie, none better than when it mattered the most. We have seen the guile and energy of Tahir; what an important cog he still is. We have seen the the class and passion of Gubraz.
As a result, they have ensured that this opponent would not be the thorn in the flesh this time around. The question is, will the Warriors win this elusive tournament this time around? It is too “oily” to answer because the tournament is now heating up. But what we do know is that the air of expectation will continue to rise with every match that they play henceforth.
Yours truly
Raul khan
