The ExxonMobil Guyana GSL opens its maiden season with great fanfare, boasting an extremely interesting international T20 cricketing event. Scheduled to be contested from November 26 to December 6, 2024, the venue for this newer version is Providence Stadium in Guyana, with teams from five cricketing nations competing in an 11-match extravaganza.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors of the Caribbean have everything a good squad can ask for – seasoned T20 campaigners and upcoming stars who may well define the success of the GSL 2024.
We profile below five key players of the Warriors and assess how their performances in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) suggest that they may carry their form into this groundbreaking competition.
5 Guyana Amazon Warriors Players to Watch in GSL 2024
Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer has been a mainstay for the Guyana Amazon Warriors over the years, and his T20 record speaks volumes about his ability to influence games. The left-handed opener has scored 2,059 runs from 84 CPL matches at a strike rate of 139.21, with a century and 13 fifties. This season of the CPL 2024 went well for him as he scored 402 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 185.25, with four fifties. Hetmyer’s aggressive style, particularly in the middle and death overs, makes him a formidable presence.
In GSL 2024, Hetmyer’s versatility will be very important. Being a player who can easily dismantle pace and spin, Hetmyer can leverage the conditions in Guyana to ensure it remains ‘batting-friendly’. He will be an important finisher, especially in those high-pressure situations against international bowling attacks. Performances in the CPL are indicative of his best self in the thick of the action, and the GSL could become the perfect stage for Hetmyer to further his status as a T20 sensation.
Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali brings invaluable international experience to the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Though his CPL 2024 campaign saw modest numbers—169 runs at a strike rate of 110.45—his overall T20 resume, spanning tournaments like the IPL, PSL, and The Hundred, underlines his reputation as a match-winner. Moeen’s off-spin and ability to strike big down the order make him a dual threat.
In GSL 2024, Moeen will bring much-needed balance and flexibility into the Warriors’ lineup, with the ability to anchor innings when collapses happen or to accelerate at the back end of an innings, whichever the situation may demand. His bowling, particularly in the powerplay, can be highly game-changing on Guyana’s spin-friendly tracks. With calmness and tactical acumen, Moeen Ali will be one of the most important cogs in the Warriors’ wheel.
Shai Hope
From a dependable ODI batsman to a reliable T20 performer, Shai Hope has always managed to adapt. Having gathered 1,762 runs in the CPL at an average of 28.41 and a strike rate of 127.77, Hope has proved that he can anchor an innings well. 391 runs, including three half-centuries at a strike rate of 135.29 in the CPL 2024, further underlined his class.
Hope’s strike rotation and building partnerships are going to be very important for the Warriors in GSL 2024. In a format dominated by power-hitters, his anchoring skills can result in much-needed solidity for the team. Adding to that is his razor-sharp wicketkeeping skills. If Hope’s form can hold good, he should be the linchpin of Guyana’s batting, especially in the face of quality pace attacks.
Imran Tahir
Captain Imran Tahir is one of the most successful bowlers in CPL history, with 107 wickets in 78 matches at an economy rate of 6.50. His season this year in the CPL 2024 has again seen him bamboozle batsmen as he went on to take 16 wickets at a strike rate of 15.00. Tahir’s incomparable knack for picking up important wickets with unbridled energy makes him a very important factor for the Warriors.
As captain of the Warriors, Tahir’s tactical nous and extensive experience will be invaluable. He generally revels under pressure, often coming up with breakthroughs for his side when that is needed most. The conditions in Guyana, which usually help spin bowlers, will be a further boost to his effectiveness. His captaincy and inspirational effect on teammates made him the heartbeat of the Warriors in this historical tournament.
Roston Chase
Roston Chase has quietly carved out a niche as a reliable all-rounder in T20 cricket, consistently contributing with bat and ball. He has quietly been one of the few mainstays in CPL history, with over 1,100 runs and 45 wickets. Though his recent CPL seasons have been relatively subdued, Chase’s ability to adapt to different roles makes him a player of value. His CPL 2023 bowling figures read 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.30, and that underlines a potential threat in GSL 2024.
Chase can play multiple roles: he could bat in the middle order or operate as a restrictive force with the ball in the middle overs. His knack for breaking partnerships and calm approach under pressure make him a dependable option. While Chase’s contributions might not always make headlines, they could be what makes the difference between victory and defeat in tight encounters.
The Road Ahead for Guyana Amazon Warriors in GSL 2024
The GSL 2024 presents a golden opportunity for Guyana Amazon Warriors to showcase their dominance on a grand stage. With an ideal mix of experienced campaigners like Tahir and Moeen and explosive talents like Hetmyer, the team is well-equipped to put up stiff resistance against strong opposition.
Each of these five brings a unique skill set that, when combined, could propel the Warriors to the inaugural GSL title. The cricketing world will be watching as these stars aim to leave an indelible mark on the tournament and set the benchmark for future editions.
Also, see:
Pacer Jofra Archer added to IPL 2025 auction list
