Tahir banking on Warriors to bounce back in Barbados

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play their final away match in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League before returning home to Guyana for the weekend leg.
After a defeat to the Trinbago Knight Riders, the Warriors’ next opponent will be the Barbados Royals tomorrow (Thursday, September 4). The Warriors will be confident of bouncing back, as the Royals remain winless this season.
According to Captain Imran Tahir, the Warriors did not capitalise on the powerplay during their match in Trinidad. The opening position has been an ongoing issue for the Warriors, and they experimented by sending Gudakesh Motie up front in the last game.
Reflecting on the last game, Tahir said, “I think we gave them a good fight; I’m pleased with that. We didn’t do a few things right; the conditions weren’t in our control (speaking about dew), but I thought we were soft in the bowling PP, but we still fought hard. We tried to do different things; we knew Akeal was going to bowl in the PP, so we sent Motie. It didn’t work, but you need to take such gambles.”
After four matches this season, the Warriors have won two and lost two. Tahir noted that the team is in a similar position to last year, when they won three away matches before dominating at home.
“Last year, we won 3 away games and then played well at home. We’re honoured to get opportunities and looking to give a good fight to the Barbados Royals (in the next match).”
The Warriors will be relying heavily on Shai Hope, who has scored exactly 200 runs this season. Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, and Ben McDermott have all had a few good knocks but have tapered off recently.
Tahir himself has been outstanding, collecting 12 wickets in just 16 overs at an average of 10.25. His season already includes a five-wicket haul followed by a four-wicket performance.
Tomorrow’s clash will also feature a mini-battle of sorts, as Guyanese batsman Sherfane Rutherford lines up for the Barbados Royals. Familiar with the Warriors’ setup, he could be a pivotal figure if the Royals are to claim their first win of the season.
The Warriors face the Royals on Thursday from 19:00h at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.