The Guyana Amazon Warriors have recorded two abysmal batting performances which unfortunately have resulted in their repeated losses against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in their first two matches of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2017 campaign.
Fans must, however, remain positive and keep faith in the team, because the boys will bounce back. It might, at this time, seem a difficult task, but the Warriors possess the tenacity to rebound from such a troubled start. However, it is not going to be a simple process, because, unlike the four other editions of the League, each Franchise has spent prodigiously on developing their team, to provide balance in their playing 11.
A solid performance with the bat is eagerly anticipated from Babar Azam
The Warriors might seem a deflated unit after Saturday and Sunday’s outings, but they are not. In fact, they could be a force to reckon with during the remainder of the League, but they must first win at least one of their two matches on the road against St. Lucia Stars or Trinbago Knight Riders, before they commence their home matches at the midway stage of the event on August 17.
At home the Warriors boast the impressive statistics of approximately 70 % wins in 13 completed matches, which breaks down to nine successful outcomes as compared to four losses at Providence.
In their home games, they are slated to play Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Lucia Stars, Barbados Tridents, and Jamaica Tallawahs. The Tridents have successfully campaigned here once in as many matches, while Warriors hold the advantage against both Knight Riders and Stars with three wins in four matches apiece. Only Tallawahs have won more than one match here, as the tally stands two in their favour against one to the Warriors out of a total of three completed encounters.
Apart from home advantage, where the Warriors utilize their spinners to their benefit, the coaching staff led by former West Indies player and Coach, Roger Harper, frequently play important roles with critical thinking. They make use of the resources they have, although all their departments might not be as fruitful as their bowling department.
Shortly before the tournament commenced, the Warriors suffered a major setback when their 2016 batting star Chris Lynn withdrew because of injury. He was replaced by Babar Azam, who is still fresh into his international career and is not much known for his T20 prowess. Adding to the Warriors’ hiccup, skipper Martin Guptill missed the second match because of an injury he sustained in the first match.
These hindrances occurred within a short time span, and Harper and his team adjusted quickly to be competitive in both matches. With their next match scheduled for Friday against Knight Riders in Trinidad, a better performance is imminent from the three-time finalists.
However, their batting department must work to improve those errors made in the first two matches. Therefore Azam must provide the impetus that is required of him as well as the remainder of the middle and lower order.
If the Warriors improve to win four of the next six matches scheduled to be played, then they could regain momentum, revive the hopes of their fans, and be on a path to the playoffs. At this moment, however, it is too early to judge the most consistent team in CPL history.
