Warriors were 20 runs short – Tahir says after final defeat

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) slipped to their seventh defeat in eight Caribbean Premier League finals. Captain Imran Tahir admitted the team fell 20 runs short, but praised his side for fighting hard until the final ball.
The Warriors went down by three wickets to arch-rivals Trinbago Knight Riders in front of a packed Providence crowd.
“We knew at the half time we were 20 runs short, the ball was turning nicely and the only message was to fight till the end. We tried really well and unfortunately, we did not have enough runs on the board,” Tahir said.

“We tried everything all season and whatever was best for us, we tried to juggle the batting order and also have to understand that it is a long season and I appreciate my teammates for putting up the fight although we did not have enough runs on the board. I just want to say big thank you to everyone, also thanks to my family for the long journey to come and watch the final,” Tahir added.
The TKR side, brimming with experience and cricketing legends, saw the likes of Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell deliver at crucial stages. Tahir was quick to give credit where it was due.
“They are world-class players, and you need a champion mindset to beat a team like that, their planning was really good and that is what you get to see with players who have played all over the world,” the Warriors skipper explained.
Meanwhile, Akeal Hosein, who took three wickets and struck the winning runs, said TKR had worked hard and remained hungry for a title over the past five years.
“Very special this award. For five years we have been hungry, there has been lots of talk about ages in our group, but experience will talk and really happy to get this win. I told one of my mates that I am gonna get him (Hope) and that’s what I set my mind to. I do a lot of homework and there is a lot of assistance for spinners in this pitch, so it is about execution,” Hosein said.
Hosein also credited the experience of Narine after he had some quiet games.
“In the last couple of games from my perspective things have gone horribly for me and Sunil Narine stuck by my side day in and day out, really happy that I can perform like this and make him smile and get over the line for him today. Before I went out, Nicky P just said whatever the situation is just back yourself. I just backed myself and tried to execute (talking about the last two boundaries).”
For the Warriors, Shai Hope ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 491 runs, while Tahir topped the wickets chart with 23 scalps. Gudakesh Motie claimed 18 wickets, and Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with 17.
Pollard was named Player of the Tournament, with Hosein taking the honours as Player of the Final.