PROVIDENCE STADIUM, Guyana [Peter Paul Media] — The Guyana Amazon Warriors thrilled their home supporters Wednesday, producing a disciplined all-round performance to defeat the St. Lucia Kings by 14 runs and book a place in the Caribbean Premier League final.
The contest had all the hallmarks of a playoff classic – fluctuating momentum, spirited counter-attacks, and a crowd that never stopped drumming, chanting, and waving flags. But in the end, it was the Warriors’ composure with bat and ball that proved decisive.
Warriors Set a Testing Total
Asked to bat first, the Warriors made 157 before being bowled out in the final over. It was a total built on graft rather than dominance, with partnerships proving more valuable than individual fireworks.
Ben McDermott’s 34 and Shai Hope’s 32 laid the groundwork during the powerplay and middle overs, ensuring the innings did not collapse under the Kings’ early pressure. Later, lower-order cameos from Dwaine Pretorius (17 off 8 balls) and Romario Shepherd (21 off 8 balls) provided the late acceleration that pushed the score into challenging territory.
The Kings’ bowlers, particularly Tabraiz Shamsi with 3 for 33 and David Wiese with 2 for 14, kept the hosts in check for much of the innings, but those closing overs from the Warriors’ finishers would turn out to be match-defining.
Motie Leads the Bowling Charge
Defending 157, the Warriors needed early breakthroughs, and their bowlers delivered. Gudakesh Motie emerged as the hero, spinning through the Kings’ middle order with figures of 4 for 30. Imran Tahir’s experience told as he chipped in with 2 for 22, while Pretorius backed up his batting contribution with controlled seam bowling.
The Kings slipped into trouble after losing top-order wickets cheaply, and while they rallied late, the pressure never truly lifted.
Kings’ Resistance Not Enough
For St. Lucia, Khary Pierre (50 off 29 balls) and tail-ender Tymal Mills (30 off 18) staged a dramatic fightback. Their counterattack rekindled hopes of a stunning chase, lifting the visitors from despair to within striking distance.
But the Warriors’ bowlers held their nerve. Tight field placements and calm execution under pressure ensured the Kings were dismissed for 143 in 19.1 overs, falling 14 runs short of their target.
Providence Celebrates
The final wicket sparked wild celebrations in the stands as the Amazon Warriors marched straight into the CPL final. Drums, trumpets, and fireworks lit up Providence, with the Guyanese faithful savoring another famous playoff night at their home ground.
For the Kings, the defeat was a setback, but not the end of their campaign – they will have another chance to reach the final through Qualifier 2.
What’s Next
The Warriors, buoyed by home support and momentum, now wait to see who will challenge them in the final. With their batting depth and spin-heavy attack clicking at the right moment, they look every bit like a side determined to lift the CPL trophy once again.
Key Moments
The Kings lost three top batsmen early, which immediately put them under pressure.
Motie’s spin bowling in the middle overs cut through their batting order, especially with wickets of Chase and Tim David in quick succession.
The late batting from GAW (Pretorius & Shepherd) was vital — without that surge in the death overs, 157 might have been too modest.
Qualifier Two is set for Friday evening between Trinidad and St. Lucia from Providence.
Peter Paul Media 