By Anas Ahmed 
Rizwan anchors, Patriots find total
In Game 25 of CPL 2025, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots clung on for a dramatic five-run victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors in Providence. The win not only provided relief after a frustrating campaign but also reignited hopes of sneaking into the playoffs.
Sent in by Imran Tahir, the Patriots initially stumbled, losing early wickets. Yet Mohammad Rizwan was immovable. The wicketkeeper-batter constructed a high-class 85 off 62 balls, laced with eight fours and three sixes. His composure steadied the innings after the early losses of Andre Fletcher (7), Kyle Mayers (4), and Leniko Boucher (1). Rilee Rossouw (14) and captain Jason Holder (7) fell cheaply, but Rizwan shepherded the innings deep.
Supported by Navin Bidaisee’s 22 not out, Rizwan was run out in the penultimate over after a mix-up, but not before carrying the Patriots to a fighting 149/6. Gudakesh Motie (2/44) and Hassan Khan (2/21) were the pick of the bowlers for the Warriors.
Warriors chase falters
The Amazon Warriors, in front of a buzzing home crowd, began the chase with optimism. Ben McDermott (21) and Moeen Ali (19) set a foundation, while Shai Hope’s 31 off 27 looked to anchor. However, the innings lacked the defining knock to match Rizwan’s class.
Regular breakthroughs kept the chase under control. Waqar Salamkheil (2/28) and Naseem Shah (2/29) struck at crucial moments, while Holder, Drakes, Nedd, and Bidaisee all chipped in with one wicket apiece. The Patriots’ bowlers never allowed momentum to fully swing to the Warriors.
The death overs brought drama. Quentin Sampson’s quickfire 14 off 7 briefly threatened a heist, but with 11 needed off the last over, Naseem Shah’s icy composure prevailed. He dismissed Keemo Paul (9) with a pinpoint yorker and conceded only five runs, closing out a memorable win for the Patriots.
What it means
The victory propels the Patriots to fifth place with six points from nine games. The Warriors remain fourth on eight points from seven but will rue the missed opportunity to consolidate their playoff position. As the CPL group phase heats up, every point is gold dust, and both teams still have everything to play for.
Brief Scores
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 149/6 (20 ov): Rizwan 85 (62), Bidaisee 22* (21); Hassan Khan 2/21, Motie 2/44
Guyana Amazon Warriors 144/8 (20 ov): Hope 31 (27), McDermott 21 (18), Tim David 44 (28); Salamkheil 2/28, Naseem Shah 2/29
Result: Patriots won by 5 runs
Player of the Match: Mohammad Rizwan
Zainab Shafiq