Guyana Amazon Warriors marched into yet another final of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after thrashing defending champions, Jamaica Tallawahs by 81 runs last night.
The Tallawahs’ horrid record of chasing over 180-plus scores continued when after winning the toss and inserting the hosts on home turf at the National Stadium, Providence in front of over 12,000 elated Warriors fans the lost the plot. Earlier, Warriors recovered from a slow start to pile up 182 for six from their allotted 20 overs.
They returned with ball in hand to restrict Tallawahs to 101 all out in 15.2 overs.
Warriors lost Kevlon Anderson in the first over for four after he was bowled by Mohammad Amir and by the end of the seventh over, were 54 for two with Saim Ayub holding out to Alex Hales at long on for 20.
Shai Hope continued his subliminal form, hitting four boundaries during his 33-ball 40 while Shimron Hetymer chipped in with 31 from 29 balls. However, it was Azam Khan who ensured Warriors a respectable total with 54 from 27 balls. The burly Pakistan player clubbed four sixes and five fours before Shamar Springer (2-40) dismissed him caught behind.
Warriors were on the ball from the get-go and stifled the Tallawahs batting early on as Dwaine Pretorius was virtually unplayable and accounted for the wickets of Hales (15) and Shamarh Brooks (one). But it was Romario Shepherd who had the big wicket of Brandon King for five that set the tone for jubilation in the crowd.
With Imran Tahir removing Steven Taylor, Tallawahs left the powerplay limping at 32 for four. Within the next 12 balls, Raymon Reifer and Springer were both back in the dug out. Apart from Imad Wasim’s 43 not out from 35 balls, Tallawahs were never up to the chase.
Warriors will meet Trinbago Knight Riders in the final tomorrow night at the same venue from 19.00 hours.
