The 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final will be etched in the annals of cricket history as the day when the Guyana Amazon Warriors finally achieved what they had been chasing for six long years – their maiden CPL title. In front of a jubilant home crowd at Providence, the Amazon Warriors put on a show of dominance, securing a resounding nine-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders. The victory was the result of an all-around team effort that saw the Warriors overcome past heartbreaks and obstacles to finally claim the coveted title.
For Guyana Amazon Warriors, the road to CPL glory had been strewn with disappointment, as they had previously fallen short in five finals. This made their triumph in the 2023 final even more emotional, with veteran spinner Imran Tahir shedding tears of joy as he played a pivotal role in guiding his team to the championship.
The Amazon Warriors’ victory was built on the back of their impeccable bowling performance. They bowled out the Trinbago Knight Riders, the most successful CPL franchise, for a mere 94 runs. The demolition was led by Dwaine Pretorius, who claimed four crucial wickets for just 26 runs. Romario Shepherd, Imran Tahir, and Gudakesh Motie provided valuable support with frugal spells. Pretorius and Shepherd, in particular, had been instrumental throughout the season, picking up 19 wickets in the powerplay.
The Trinbago Knight Riders had a forgettable day in the final. Opting to bat, they struggled from the outset, losing three wickets in as many overs. Pretorius, Shepherd, and some exceptional fielding combined to dismantle the Knight Riders’ top order. Kieron Pollard and Akeal Hosein attempted to steady the ship but perished while attempting ambitious shots.
The real turning point came when Imran Tahir dismissed Andre Russell, who was considered one of the biggest threats to the Amazon Warriors’ title hopes. From that moment, the Knight Riders were in a downward spiral, eventually finishing with a paltry total of 94 runs. It was their second-lowest total in a 20-over game, a reflection of the Amazon Warriors’ outstanding bowling display.
Chasing 95 runs for victory, the Guyana Amazon Warriors were in no hurry during the powerplay. They lost Keemo Paul early but had a solid foundation with Shai Hope and Saim Ayub at the crease. The duo cautiously navigated through the initial overs of spin, reaching their lowest powerplay score of the season at 29 for 1.
However, Hope and Ayub soon shifted gears, with Ayub leading the charge. He played an explosive innings, hitting five sixes, most of which were targeted towards the straight boundary. Ayub’s half-century, completed with a flurry of boundaries, marked a turning point in the match. He celebrated with a wide smile and open arms, encapsulating the euphoria of the moment.
Throughout the CPL season, the Amazon Warriors had several standout performers. Shai Hope and Saim Ayub topped the batting charts, providing stability and firepower at the top of the order. Meanwhile, Dwaine Pretorius and Imran Tahir finished as the top two wicket-takers in the tournament, with 20 and 18 scalps respectively. Hope’s consistent performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
