By Anas Ahmed 
The Guyana Amazon Warriors produced a masterclass in both batting and bowling to dismantle the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by 83 runs in the 9th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound.
The emphatic victory lifts the Warriors into second place on the table, having registered two dominant wins from as many games.
Hope and Hetmyer Power Warriors to 211
Opting to bat first on a damp Antigua evening, captain Imran Tahir’s bold decision was justified in emphatic style. After a rain delay of nearly an hour, the Warriors’ top order exploded into life.
Shai Hope continued his sublime form with a polished 82 off 54 balls, mixing elegant stroke play with controlled aggression. His innings included 10 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the Warriors’ charge.
He was joined by Shimron Hetmyer, who unleashed a blistering assault in the final overs. Hetmyer hammered 65 not out off just 26 balls, peppering the stands with five sixes and five fours. Together, the pair added a breathtaking 106 runs off 44 deliveries, propelling the Warriors to a daunting 211/3 in 20 overs.
Tahir Spins Falcons Out
The Falcons began their chase aggressively, with Rahkeem Cornwall (10 off 3) and Karima Gore (31 off 14) threatening to counterattack. However, once both fell, the middle order crumbled under pressure.
Enter Imran Tahir. The veteran leg-spinner delivered a magical spell, starting with a double-wicket maiden that left the Falcons rattled. He finished with career-best 5/21, weaving a web that the Falcons never escaped.
Only Bevon Jacobs (26 off 25) showed some resistance, but wickets kept tumbling. The Falcons were eventually bundled out for 128 in 15.2 overs, handing the Warriors one of the most comprehensive wins of the season.
Brief Scores
Guyana Amazon Warriors 211/3 (20 overs)
Shai Hope 82 (54), Shimron Hetmyer 65* (26); Imad Wasim 1/20, Jayden Seales 1/34
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons 128 all out (15.2 overs)
Karima Gore 31 (14), Bevon Jacobs 26 (25); Imran Tahir 5/21, Romario Shepherd 2/16
Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 83 runs
Player of the Match: Imran Tahir (5/21)
Statement Win
The result underlined the balance in Guyana’s lineup — a powerful batting engine backed by world-class spin. With Tahir leading from the front, the Warriors now look like serious contenders for the CPL 2025 crown.
Zainab Shafiq