The 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Final was a historic showdown that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come. Guyana Amazon Warriors, perennial finalists who had previously fallen short on five occasions, finally achieved their long-awaited dream of winning the CPL title. This achievement was made possible through a stunning all-round performance in the final match against the formidable Trinbago Knight Riders.
The final unfolded in front of a rapturous home crowd at Providence, where the Amazon Warriors faced off against the most successful CPL franchise, the Trinbago Knight Riders. What transpired on the field was nothing short of extraordinary?
The stage was set for a thrilling encounter when Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bowl. The Knight Riders made a decent start but quickly lost their way, thanks to a clinical bowling performance by Guyana’s paceman Dwaine Pretorius. Pretorius picked up four crucial wickets for just 26 runs, effectively dismantling the Knight Riders’ top order.
As the wickets kept falling, Romario Shepherd, Imran Tahir, and Gudakesh Motie chipped in with frugal spells, making it difficult for the Knight Riders to rebuild their innings. Shepherd and Pretorius played pivotal roles throughout the season, taking a total of 19 wickets in the powerplay.
The Knight Riders were left reeling at 49 for 6, and there was no coming back from this dire situation. Keacy Carty tried to revive the innings with a few big hits, but Imran Tahir’s leg-break trapped Dwayne Bravo, and Pretorius returned to claim two more wickets. Ronsford Beaton concluded the innings by dismissing Carty in the 19th over. The Knight Riders managed a paltry total of 94, their second-lowest score in a 20-over game.
In response, Guyana Amazon Warriors approached their chase with measured aggression. Keemo Paul’s early dismissal for 11 off 11 balls didn’t deter the Warriors’ resolve. Shai Hope and Saim Ayub, the season’s top two run-getters, kept their composure and navigated through the initial spin barrage unleashed by Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein. They reached their lowest powerplay score of the season at 29 for 1.
However, Hope and Ayub accelerated their run rate as the match progressed. Ayub was particularly impressive, targeting the straight boundary with five towering sixes. His incredible knock was marked by two massive hits off Waqar Salamkheil’s bowling, taking Guyana closer to victory. Ayub’s spectacular batting display culminated in a well-deserved half-century, and he celebrated with exuberance, surrounded by his jubilant teammates.
Guyana Amazon Warriors achieved their first CPL title by cruising past the target with six overs to spare, winning the final match by nine wickets. The victory was made possible by Dwaine Pretorius’ clinical bowling and the brilliant batting performance by Saim Ayub and Shai Hope.
Imran Tahir, who played a crucial role throughout the season, was unable to hold back his tears during the presentation ceremony. Tahir’s 18 wickets in the tournament helped propel Guyana to victory. Dwaine Pretorius, with 20 wickets, was the highest wicket-taker of the season. Shai Hope was not only part of Guyana’s top-order dominance but was also named the Player of the Tournament.
