Line, length & variation: Imran Tahir’s method to success

At 46, Imran Tahir is living his best life. The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) captain claimed 5-21 from four overs, including one maiden, against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons — his best bowling figures in T20 cricket.
After 436 matches and 554 wickets, Tahir continues to focus on the basics: bowling the right line and length, and using his leg-spin variations effectively. Watching him in action was a treat.

He began his unforgettable night with a double-wicket maiden, dismissing experienced duo Shakib Al Hasan and Imad Wasim.
Tahir, a legend in his own right, felt proud when he received the Player of the Match award from Sir Vivian Richards himself. Confident that a total of 170-180 would secure victory, Tahir guided the Warriors, with Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Romario Shepherd exceeding expectations to post 211.
“I feel really proud (on receiving the award from Sir Viv Richards) and I’m gonna cherish that for a long time. We knew if we get to 170-180, we will be in the game. Things went well for me and the team. In T20 cricket you have to be on it from ball one and I always try to give my best and thanks for the Guyanese supporters,” Tahir said.
Tahir continues to inspire his troops and lead by example. He noted that the team gels well together and enjoy each other’s success.
“We stay together and we enjoy each other’s success and that is the team culture we have. Hopefully we carry on the same way we started. We gel in really well and it was pleasure watching our batters step up. As a team, we try our best and put our body on the line and that is what I want as a captain, super proud of the boys especially with the fielding effort. I try to put the ball on line and length and obviously use my variations,” the veteran explained.
The Warriors will now travel to St Lucia to face the defending champions, St Lucia Kings, at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground on Tuesday, August 26.