The Guyana Amazon Warriors on Sunday extended their winning streak to three matches with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Shamar Joseph spearheaded a strong bowling performance with 3 for 22 as the Warriors dismissed the Falcons for just 116. Captain Imran Tahir and Khary Pierre also made important contributions before Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer powered Guyana to victory inside 10 overs.
Asked to bat first, the Falcons adopted the cautious approach that had helped them defeat the Trinbago Knight Riders the previous night. They reached 49 for two during the Power Play, providing a reasonable platform on a pitch expected to improve for batting.
Amir Jangoo appeared comfortable and continued his improved form, but the Warriors tightened their grip between the seventh and 11th overs. Tahir, Mohammad Nabi and Joseph combined to restrict the Falcons to just 33 runs during that period.
The pressure soon produced regular wickets as the Falcons’ innings began to fall apart. Kusal Perera and Shadab Khan could not repeat their match-winning effort from the previous game, with Perera run out following a costly mix-up after their partnership had added only two runs.
Joseph then dismantled the lower order with a fiery spell in which he regularly exceeded 150 kilometres per hour. Tahir also delivered an impressive performance, using his experience to claim two wickets.
The Falcons were eventually bowled out for 116, with Jangoo leading the scoring with 37.
Guyana’s chase began with the early dismissals of Glenn Phillips and Matthew Nandu, giving the home supporters brief hope of a Falcons comeback.
Hope quickly settled the innings and placed the Warriors firmly in control by the end of the Power Play. Hetmyer joined him and immediately attacked the Falcons’ bowlers as the pair carried Guyana rapidly towards the target.
Their partnership fell just short of 100 when Hetmyer edged behind to Jangoo immediately after striking a six down the ground. Quentin Sampson then faced one delivery and launched it for six to seal the emphatic victory.
The Falcons will conclude their home leg against the Barbados Tridents on Tuesday, while the Warriors will have a week to prepare for their next match against the Trinbago Knight Riders on August 31 in Port of Spain.
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