Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs
After a good start to the tournament, it was important for the Jamaica Tallawahs to keep that momentum going with a victory against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who were playing their first match of this year’s campaign.
The Tallawahs' Captain, Rovman Powell, won the toss and elected to bowl first. Mohammad Amir started well with the ball, getting rid of both openers, Paul Stirling and Chandrapaul Hemraj, in his first two overs. Despite the loss of quick wickets at the top, the Warriors began to rebuild their innings with the help of Captain Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope. After a 66-run partnership, both lost their wickets back to back. And the Tallawahs nearly had a hat-trick. And despite some hitting towards the death by Romario Shepherd and Henrich Klassen, the Tallawahs were able to restrict the Warriors to 142/6 thanks to some disciplined bowling by Amir’s 3 for 22 and Chris Green giving away only 5 runs in his 4 overs.
With 143 required to win, the Tallawahs were in a good position to chase down this modest total with in-form Brandon King and Kennar Lewis opening the innings. The Tallawahs got off to a brisk start in their chase, but they lost 2 quick wickets in the PowerPlay of Kennar Lewis and Shamarh Brooks – who was given not out by the on-field umpire but after a review was taken by the Warriors, the decision was overturned. The Warriors continued to restrict the flow of runs and put pressure on the batters even after the powerplay, utilising the spin trio of Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi, with Tahir claiming the key wicket of Brandon King in the 7th over. Despite wickets falling at the other end, the Tallawahs would go on to win the match in the last over thanks to an unbeaten captain’s knock of 44 by Rovman Powell and a cameo at the end by Chris Green. Amir went on to claim the Player of the Match award.
This was just the start the Jamaica Tallawahs needed, as this win means that they maintained their 100% start to the tournament and will now be looking to continue their good form into their next game against the Saint Lucia Kings.