Half-centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a 35-run victory over the St. Lucia Kings, securing the top position in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) standings. Hetmyer, who was named Player of the Match, led the charge with a dynamic 58, while Hope contributed 56, helping the Warriors post an imposing total of 207 for seven in their 20 overs.
The Warriors’ spin trio of Imran Tahir, Moeen Ali, and Gudakesh Motie then effectively restricted the Kings to 172 for seven in response. Despite Faf du Plessis’s unbeaten 92, the Kings could not chase down the total. With this win, the Warriors moved to 14 points, level with the Kings but taking the lead due to a superior net run rate.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Warriors made a solid start, with openers Azam Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz adding 49 runs in just five overs. Khan was dismissed for 26 by Noor Ahmad, while Gurbaz fell shortly after for 27, leaving the Warriors at 53 for two.
Hetmyer and Hope then combined for a crucial 85-run partnership in under nine overs. Hetmyer brought up his half-century in style, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Shadrack Descarte. He was eventually dismissed by Alzarri Joseph after a 30-ball 58, which included nine fours and one six.
Hope continued the momentum, smashing three sixes and a four in a 16th-over assault against Khary Pierre. His 50 came off just 29 balls, marking his ninth CPL half-century. Hope’s explosive batting, alongside Romario Shepherd, added 41 runs in two overs, propelling the Warriors past 200. Shepherd remained aggressive even after Hope’s departure, ensuring the Warriors reached 207.
For the Kings, David Wiese was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Ahmad and Joseph chipped in with two wickets each.
In their chase, the Kings started cautiously, with du Plessis and Ackeem Auguste putting together a 42-run partnership for the second wicket. However, once Auguste was dismissed by Moeen Ali for 12, the Kings faltered. Roston Chase was bowled by Imran Tahir for just five, and Tahir continued to wreak havoc, dismissing both Aaron Jones and Tim Seifert for single digits. This left the Kings struggling at 75 for five.
Du Plessis fought valiantly, remaining unbeaten on 92, while Joseph added an unbeaten 25 to help the Kings see out their 20 overs. Despite du Plessis’s efforts, the Kings fell short, managing only 172 for seven.
The victory ensures that the Warriors top the CPL table, with all three top teams potentially finishing on 14 points, and strengthens their chances heading into the playoffs.
