Battle of the ages: GAW, TKR set for final showdown

The El Clásico of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is upon us. The rivalry between the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) will once again ignite the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) this evening, starting at 20:00h local time.
Two of the league’s most successful teams are expected to deliver top-class cricket. On the eve of the match, the coaches of both teams spoke to the media, expressing their confidence ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
According to GAW’s Head Coach Lance Klusener, the team is in high spirits, and he is pleased with the top-order solution provided by Quinten Sampson. Players Shamar Joseph and Dwaine Pretorius are nursing minor injuries, and their inclusion in the Warriors’ starting XI will be decided at the last minute.
“We found some stability at the top. It came from an unlikely source, with Sampson getting an opportunity, but we try to keep the middle order as stable as possible. We will move around people based on situations they are best suited for,” Klusner added.

“Sampson took his opportunities, so he responded to that. I am happy with that, so it is now about where he goes with that talent. He must go back to his county and grow his career,” the Warriors head coach said.
Now the stage is set for one of the most anticipated clashes, with two fierce rivals facing off before a massive home crowd.
“Tomorrow is a big game for everyone. (To the fans) come and support us. Our chances are as good as anyone’s. If we can use that support as the 12th man, that would be good for us. Make it noisy, and hopefully, we can make the fans proud,” Coach Klusner said.
Meanwhile, TKR Head Coach Ottis Gibson is confident that experience will be the key factor in his team’s success.
“TKR has produced a lot of world-class players. We haven’t won the CPL since 2020, so that is the main motivator; the opportunity to do that is massive,” Gibson said. According to Gibson, the team that handles the emotions better will win. “We have a lot of experienced players that have won the IPL and World Cups, so we are leaning on that experience.”
The GAW are appearing in their eighth final and will be aiming for their second championship, while the Riders are in their sixth final, seeking a fifth league title. A win for TKR could provide a fitting farewell for stalwarts Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell, with Russell expressing his desire to lift the CPL trophy following Friday evening’s victory.
Shai Hope is the leading batsman this season with 479 runs, while Nicholas Pooran has amassed 425 runs.
Imran Tahir leads the wicket-takers with 20 wickets, while Usman Tariq and Gudakesh Motie have 18 wickets each. It promises to be a battle for the ages, showcasing the season’s leading players at one of the most electrifying venues in the Caribbean.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be aiming for their second title, two years after claiming their first at the Guyana National Stadium, while the Trinbago Knight Riders have previously won the championship in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020.