By Anas Ahmed 
Warriors Edge Another Providence Nail-Biter
The Caribbean Premier League 2025 produced yet another tense finish as the Guyana Amazon Warriors held their nerve to defeat the Trinbago Knight Riders by three wickets with just one ball remaining in Providence.
Needing nine from the last over, it was Dwaine Pretorius and Gudakesh Motie who guided the Warriors home, with Pretorius blasting a towering six off Kieron Pollard that shifted the balance before calmly finishing the chase.
The result pushes Guyana further into playoff contention while leaving Trinbago to rue missed chances, despite a breathtaking late assault from their captain.
Pollard’s Power Lifts Knight Riders to 167
Opting to bat first, Trinbago Knight Riders posted 167/5, thanks largely to a sensational innings from Kieron Pollard. The veteran all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 18 balls, striking five fours and five sixes in a devastating display.
Earlier contributions came from Darren Bravo (33) and Keacy Carty (29 retired out), but Guyana’s bowlers rotated effectively. Captain Imran Tahir used seven options, with Moeen Ali bowling a miserly spell of 1/11 and Pretorius claiming 1/26.
Pollard’s fireworks in the final overs ensured Trinbago reached a competitive total on a balanced Providence surface.
Hope and Hetmyer Steady the Chase
In reply, the Warriors’ innings was anchored by Shai Hope, who compiled a measured 53 off 46 balls with three boundaries and three sixes. He shared a crucial 97-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer, who played the aggressor’s role, hammering 49 off 30 balls.
The pair looked set to take the Warriors to victory with comfort, but Sunil Narine intervened. The mystery spinner dismissed both Hope and Hetmyer in quick succession, sparking nerves in the home dressing room.
With wickets tumbling and the required rate creeping, the match looked destined for a last-over decider.
Pretorius Seals It with Ice in His Veins
Cometh the hour, cometh Dwaine Pretorius. The South African all-rounder showcased his experience, hammering consecutive sixes off Andre Russell in the 18th over before keeping calm against Pollard in the 20th.
Pretorius finished unbeaten on 26 from 14 balls, his timing impeccable as he combined smart running with brutal striking. His effort, along with Motie’s composed support, ensured Guyana crossed the line at 168/7 in 19.5 overs.
Awarded Player of the Match, Pretorius epitomized clutch performance, contributing with both bat and ball in a game that could easily have slipped away.
Brief Scores
Trinbago Knight Riders 167/5 (Kieron Pollard 54*, Darren Bravo 33, Keacy Carty 29; Moeen Ali 1/11, Pretorius 1/26)
Guyana Amazon Warriors 168/7 in 19.5 overs (Shai Hope 53, Shimron Hetmyer 49, Pretorius 26*; Sunil Narine 2/12, Akeal Hosein 2/35)
Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 3 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)
Player of the Match: Dwaine Pretorius – 26* (14) & 1/26
Zainab Shafiq