GEORGETOWN, Guyana [Peter Paul Media] — The Guyana Amazon Warriors powered their way into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoffs Sunday, dismantling the Barbados Royals in front of a jubilant home crowd at Providence Stadium.
The result secured second place on the league table and guaranteed the Warriors two opportunities to reach the CPL 2025 final.
Batting first, Guyana’s innings was built around a fiery half-century from Shimron Hetmyer, who returned to form with a 68-run knock from just 39 balls. Hetmyer’s aggressive stroke play, backed by opener Quentin Sampson’s measured start and a steady 31 from Shai Hope, carried the hosts to a commanding total of 189 for 6.
The Royals’ reply unraveled quickly. Dwaine Pretorius and Shamar Joseph struck early to pin down the top order, before left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie tore through the middle with a devastating spell of 5 for 21. The visitors were bowled out well short, sealing a dominant victory for the Warriors.
The win capped off an emotional stretch for the franchise. Only days earlier, Guyana’s campaign had been hanging in the balance before Pretorius smashed a last-ball six against the St. Lucia Kings to confirm a playoff spot. That dramatic finish injected fresh belief into the side and reignited their push for a second CPL title.
“Tonight we showed what this team is capable of,” Hetmyer said after the win. “We owed it to the fans, and now we have to carry this form into the knockouts.”
For the Barbados Royals, the defeat marked the end of a disappointing season, with the side unable to challenge the tournament’s frontrunners.
With momentum, home support and a balanced squad firing in both batting and bowling, the Guyana Amazon Warriors enter the playoffs as serious contenders.
The Bigger Picture:
The Guyana Amazon Warriors remain one of the CPL’s most consistent franchises, reaching multiple finals but only winning once in 2023. This year’s squad, boasting a mix of local talent and overseas firepower, appears well balanced.
With Hetmyer finding form, Motie at peak confidence, and Pretorius adding experience, the Warriors are widely tipped as favorites heading into the knockout stages. Can they win another championship? We’ll have to wait and see.
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