Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts – Shimron Hetmyer’s blistering 91 off 39 balls, combined with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s quickfire 69, led Guyana Amazon Warriors to a commanding 40-run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in a high-scoring thriller. The Warriors posted a mammoth 266/7 in their 20 overs, and despite a valiant effort from Andre Fletcher, the Patriots could only manage 226 in 18 overs.
Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Innings: Hetmyer’s Carnage Steals the Show
After electing to bat first, the Warriors got off to a flyer with Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashing 69 from 37 balls. Hetmyer then took control, unleashing a devastating assault on the Patriots’ bowlers, hammering 11 sixes in his 233.33 strike-rate innings. Hetmyer found able support in Keemo Paul, who contributed a quickfire 38 off 14 balls, helping the Warriors post a daunting 266/7.
Despite the Patriots struggling to contain the Warriors, Kyle Mayers (1/41) and Veerasammy Permaul (1/14) were the pick of the bowlers for the Patriots. However, Odean Smith’s 3 overs went for 60 runs, which proved costly for the hosts.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ Response: Fletcher’s Heroics Not Enough
Chasing a mammoth target of 267, the Patriots started aggressively, with captain Andre Fletcher leading the charge. His explosive 81 from 33 balls, including 9 sixes, kept the hosts in the hunt. Kyle Mayers and Sherfane Rutherford provided crucial contributions, but once Fletcher was dismissed by Gudakesh Motie, the chase unraveled.
Imran Tahir’s experience came to the fore as he claimed 3 wickets for 48 runs, including a crucial double-wicket maiden. Motie (3/34) was equally impactful, claiming the key wicket of Fletcher and two others to halt the Patriots’ momentum.
Key Records and Highlights:
- Hetmyer’s Fireworks: Shimron Hetmyer’s 91 off 39 balls was a standout performance, featuring 11 sixes and no fours.
- Massive Target: Guyana Amazon Warriors’ 266/7 is one of the highest team totals in CPL 2024.
- Fletcher’s Brilliance: Andre Fletcher’s 81 off 33 balls gave the Patriots hope, but his dismissal marked the turning point of the game.
- Imran Tahir’s Crucial Over: Tahir’s double-wicket maiden was a game-changer, tightening the grip for the Warriors.
Brief Scores:
Guyana Amazon Warriors: 266/7 in 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 91, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 69, Keemo Paul 38; Odean Smith 1/60, Kyle Mayers 1/41)
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 226 in 18 overs (Andre Fletcher 81, Sherfane Rutherford 34, Mikyle Louis 31; Imran Tahir 3/48, Gudakesh Motie 3/34)
Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 40 runs
Player of the Match: Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana Amazon Warriors) for his explosive 91.
This win keeps Guyana Amazon Warriors firmly on track in CPL 2024, while the Patriots will need to regroup after a valiant yet unsuccessful chase.
