Dear Editor,
The 2023 Caribbean Premier League is here in Guyana. As Guyanese welcome the Caribbean teams, with all the international players, expectations are sky-high for the Guyana Amazon Warriors to continue in their winning ways.
The entire Caribbean will be following the events in Guyana. Surely, it is not all cricket; this entire nation seems to be encompassed by an air of euphoric celebration. The cricket Carnival is fully pumped up, as this cricketing nation is rearing to see our Warriors in action. The Guyana National Stadium will be filled to capacity, and all roads would lead to the Providence Stadium.
The Warriors are undefeated thus far this year, and at home they are expected to comfortably extend their winning streak. The weather is perfect for cricket. The massive sold-out crowd at the stadium on Wednesday night was indeed a manifestation of this cricket-loving nation’s support for cricket, and its willingness to live in peace and harmony, as we vociferously united behind the winning Warriors.
The triumphant Amazon Warriors humbled the defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs in a convincing win. The Warriors won the toss and put the Tallawahs in to bat. The defending champions managed to score a reasonable total, as they reached 152 runs at the end of their 20 overs. Only their captain Brandon King impressed with a solid half century.
The Warriors’ bowling was well supported by good fielding, and even on a lightning-fast outfield, the Tallawahs struggled to score freely. Bowling for the home team, skipper Imran Tahir led the way with four overs for a mere 19 runs, and took the wicket of Kirk McKenzie.
Golden boy Gudakesh Motie was also very good, as his four overs cost only 29 runs, but captured the vital wicket of Tallawahs captain Brandon King.
The Warriors’ bowling looks really good, but they should make a decision on the inclusion of Odean Smith in the team. Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd should each be encouraged to bowl their allotted four overs.
However, it was the batting of the Warriors that really sent the massive crowd wild.
The two lightweight young openers Saim Ayub and Matthew Nandu put on an impressive century partnership. However, the management of the team must give better guidance to the players, as the two openers should have batted through the innings, as they brought the victory home.
The Warriors are on a roll, and this nation is rallying behind them for the ultimate victory. The massive crowd was in high spirits and anxiously awaiting the spectacle of master batsman Shimron Hetmyer and his thrilling strokeplay.
This year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is heightening and lightening up the final rounds of matches in Guyana. This nation and the entire Caribbean are united in the enjoyment of our cricketers’ marvellous performances, as we proudly extend our world-renowned hospitality to all.
It is cricket, lovely cricket, at its best!
Sincerely,
Neil Kumar
