By Anas Ahmed 
Royals’ struggles continue
In Game 21 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, the Guyana Amazon Warriors edged past Barbados Royals by four wickets with just two balls to spare at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. For the Royals, the defeat extended their barren run this season, still without a victory in five matches.
Both sides came into this fixture desperate for points with only two playoff places left in contention. But while the Warriors seized their opportunity, the Royals remain anchored to the foot of the table.
Powell powers Royals to competitive score
After being sent in to bat, Barbados were soon in trouble at 69/5 in the 12th over. The top order faltered, undone by disciplined bowling from Gudakesh Motie (2/16), Dwaine Pretorius (1/25) and Imran Tahir (1/40).
Enter Rovman Powell. The Royals skipper counterattacked with trademark aggression, smashing an unbeaten 50 off 28 balls. Remarkably, his half-century contained six sixes but no fours, a demonstration of pure power hitting. With Brandon King (39) and Rassie van der Dussen (45) providing starts, Powell’s late fireworks ensured the Royals reached 165/6, a total that kept their hopes alive.
Pretorius, Hope and Sampson steer Warriors
The chase began nervously for Guyana. Their top order crumbled to 30/4, with Eathan Bosch (3/35) and Ramon Simmonds (2/27) breathing life into the contest for the hosts.
But Dwaine Pretorius fought back with a sparkling 53 from 34 balls, striking two fours and four sixes to keep the Warriors in the hunt. When he fell, the match tilted again. That was until Shai Hope—ever the calm head in tense moments—anchored proceedings.
Hope’s unbeaten 62 off 49 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, complemented perfectly by young Quentin Sampson, who hit a vital 33 not out off 20 balls. The pair added the finishing touches, with Sampson sealing victory by launching Chris Green over the ropes in the penultimate over.
Table impact
The Warriors’ win propelled them to fourth in the CPL 2025 table, with three games still in hand. For the Royals, their season hangs by a thread, requiring a miraculous turnaround to remain in playoff contention.
Brief Scores
Barbados Royals 165/6 (20 overs): Rovman Powell 50* (28), Brandon King 39 (27), Rassie van der Dussen 45 (37); Gudakesh Motie 2/16, Dwaine Pretorius 1/25
Guyana Amazon Warriors 170/6 (19.4 overs): Shai Hope 62* (49), Dwaine Pretorius 53 (34), Quentin Sampson 33* (20); Eathan Bosch 3/35, Ramon Simmonds 2/27
Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 4 wickets (2 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Dwaine Pretorius (53 off 34 & 1/25)
Zainab Shafiq