Guyana Amazon Warriors Dominate Barbados Royals

Guyana Amazon Warriors bolstered their chances of securing a top-two finish with a commanding 47-run victory over Barbados Royals, driven by explosive half-centuries from Shai Hope (71) and Shimron Hetmyer (57), followed by disciplined bowling. Chasing a massive target of 220, the Royals crumbled to 95/8 in 14 overs, before David Miller's blistering unbeaten 71 off 34 balls saved some pride, though he ran out of partners and overs.

After opting to bowl first, the Royals had a dream start with Maheesh Theekshana striking in the opening over. However, Hope and Azam Khan responded swiftly, putting on a rapid 51-run partnership within five overs to revive the Warriors. Jason Holder broke the stand, but Hetmyer’s arrival at the crease marked the beginning of a 100-run partnership with Hope.

The duo dominated the middle overs, attacking the bowlers relentlessly, aside from Theekshana's economical spell. The Warriors reached 100 in just 9.4 overs, with Hetmyer and Hope bringing up their fifties in the same over, Hetmyer off 29 balls, and Hope two balls later. Rovman Powell's over cost 25 runs as the Warriors' charge continued. 

Despite losing four middle-order wickets in quick succession, late hitting from Romario Shepherd ensured the Warriors crossed the 200 mark, finishing with 219 in their 20 overs.

The Royals' chase got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. Quinton de Kock briefly shifted momentum with a 21-run over, but Barbados managed only 46/2 in the powerplay. Moeen Ali dismissed de Kock with the help of a review, while Imran Tahir struck twice in consecutive overs, leaving the Royals in deep trouble. With spinners dominating, Moeen finished with impressive figures of 2-16, while Gudakesh Motie took 3-42, though his returns were dented by Miller’s late assault.

Miller’s audacious hitting in the death overs, especially targeting Dwaine Pretorius, provided some fireworks, but it was too late. The Royals ultimately finished on 172/9, falling well short of the target.

Brief Scores:  

Guyana Amazon Warriors 219/8 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 71, Shimron Hetmyer 57; Maheesh Theekshana 3-15)  

Barbados Royals 172/9 in 20 overs (David Miller 71, Quinton de Kock 35; Gudakesh Motie 3-42, Moeen Ali 2-16, Imran Tahir 2-22)  

Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 47 runs.