• By Manik Sharma
  • Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:26 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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In a spectacular showdown, the Guyana Amazon Warriors put an end to their trophy drought by securing their elusive Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in a thrilling final clash against the Trinbago Knight Riders in Guyana on Sunday, September 24.

To seal the victory for Guyana, Pakistan's Saim Ayub launched a spectacular straight six, setting the stage for jubilant celebrations as he and skipper Imran Tahir led the charge onto the field.

After an exceptional round-robin stage, where Guyana dominated the points table with eight wins and just one loss they finished at the top of the points table. All eyes were on the Warriors in the knockout stage who were jokingly called ‘chokers’ by the cricket fans.

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Guyana had previously faced challenges in clinching the elusive title, losing five times in the final. However, this time, the Warriors displayed dominance throughout the competition, including the playoffs, ultimately emerging as triumphant champions.

In the final showdown, the outcome was evident from the very beginning, with Guyana showcasing their prowess from start to finish. Winning the toss and choosing to field first, the Warriors delivered a clinical bowling performance, limiting the power-packed TKR batting lineup to a mere 94 runs in 18.1 overs. In response, the hosts effortlessly chased down the target in just 14 overs, securing victory with nine wickets to spare.

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An emotional Guyana Warriors skipper, Imran Tahir, expressed his gratitude to those who had doubted him and his team, using the scepticism as motivation to lead his side to their maiden CPL title in the 11th edition.

Tahir, who has been associated with the franchise since 2018 and had experienced two previous final defeats, was appointed as the skipper for the season. Under his leadership, the Warriors displayed remarkable consistency, losing just one game on their path to championship glory.

"Beautiful (feeling). Great experience to play for this beautiful franchise and people who always support us. Everyone was sending jokes that I became captain. That actually motivated me, I wanna say thanks to those people. Thanks to our analyst Prasanna. He worked almost 20 hours a day to give us plans. Also want to thank R Ashwin from India. He said our team will win. Thank you to our owners for checking on everything we need," Tahir said at the post-match presentation

Tahir concluded the season as the second-highest wicket-taker behind teammate Dwaine Pretorius, with 18 wickets in 13 games at an impressive average of 15.44 and an economy rate of 6.22.

The Warriors also boasted the top two leading run-scorers in Shai Hope and Saim Ayub, with the former also clinching the Player of the Series award.

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