Guyana Amazon Warriors triumphed over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by three wickets in a last-ball thriller in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Batting first, the Falcons posted 168 runs in 20 overs, with notable contributions from Fakhar Zaman (40 off 33) and Imad Wasim (40 off 21). In response, Shai Hope (41 off 34) laid a solid foundation for the Warriors, but it was Dwaine Pretorius (20* off 10) who stole the show, smashing 18 runs in the final over to secure the victory.
Match Summary
- Toss: Imran Tahir (GAW) won the toss and opted to bowl.
- Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Innings: 168/6 in 20 overs
- Fakhar Zaman: 40 (33)
- Imad Wasim: 40 (21)
- Key Bowler: Gudakesh Motie (3/25) in 4 overs
- Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings: 171/7 in 20 overs
- Shai Hope: 41 (34)
- Romario Shepherd: 32 (16)
- Key Bowler: Imad Wasim (2/28) in 4 overs
Key Moments
Fakhar Zaman’s Solid Start
The Pakistani batter spearheaded the innings for the Falcons, continuing his impressive form from the first game. The left-hander added a 74-run partnership with Kofi James for the second wicket and laid a solid foundation for his side. He smashed three fours and a couple of sixes but failed to convert it into a big score and fell just 10 runs short of his fifty.
Imad Wasim’s Rapid Knock
The Pakistani all-rounder came out to bat at number six and provided the necessary acceleration to the innings. The southpaw smashed the Warriors’ bowlers for fun and delivered 40 runs off 21 balls before getting run-out on the final ball of the innings. His rapid knock at the tail end of the innings propelled the Warriors’ score to 168 runs in 20 overs. 
Gudakesh Motie’s Impressive Bowling
The left-arm spinner operated in the middle phase of the innings and bowled in the right areas to trouble the batters and curb the scoring rate. Motie dismissed Kofi James, Sam Billings, and Jewel Andrew in quick succession and put the Falcons in a spot of bother. He finished his spell with the impressive figures of 3/25 in his four-over quota.
Shai Hope’s Valuable Knock
In pursuit of 168 runs, the Warriors lost both their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (20 off 14) and Gudakesh Motie (6 off 4) inside the powerplay. However, Shai Hope countered the Falcons bowlers comfortably and kept the scoreboard moving at a decent pace. The right-hander smashed 41 runs off 34 balls, setting the tone for the chase.
Dwaine Pretorius Finishes Things in Style
The South African all-rounder stole the show in the final over, securing a nail-biting victory for the Warriors. With 16 needed off the last over, Pretorius kept his cool and smashed 18 runs, finishing the game with a six when four runs were required off the final ball. His last-over cameo snatched victory from the Falcons in the second game of CPL 2024.
Implications and Future Prospects
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have lost two matches in a row from a strong position. The veteran pacer Mohammad Amir failed to defend 16 runs off the final over and should look to make amends in the upcoming games. Fakhar Zaman and Kofi James performed well in both games, which is a positive sign for them, while Jewel Andrew failed to continue his form from the first game and departed cheaply in this contest. Chris Green and his team need to regroup and work on their weaknesses ahead of the next game to open their winning account in CPL.
Conversely, the Guyana Amazon Warriors started their CPL 2024 campaign on a high note, winning from a precarious situation. Romario Shepherd’s 32 runs off 16 balls kept them in the hunt, and Pretorius’ havoc in the final over sealed the deal for them. Shimron Hetmyer (19 off 21), Azam Khan (9 off 9), and Keemo Paul (10 off 9) failed to make a significant impact in this contest and should look to improve in the upcoming games. They will aim to continue their impressive form in the upcoming games and extend their winning streak.
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