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McDermott and Hope Lead Guyana Amazon Warriors to Winning Start in CPL 2025
Guyana Amazon Warriors Begin Campaign in Style
The 2025 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) witnessed an exciting start for Guyana Amazon Warriors, as they registered a comfortable five-wicket victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park. Chasing a competitive target of 154, the Warriors crossed the finish line with 16 balls to spare, thanks to a blistering knock from Ben McDermott and solid support from Shai Hope.
Patriots’ Innings: Fletcher Stands Tall Amid Struggles
Put into bat first, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots got off to a brisk start courtesy of Andre Fletcher, who played a fiery knock of 60 runs from just 41 balls. His innings included some breathtaking stroke play, particularly when he took on Romario Shepherd, Imran Tahir, and Moeen Ali, smashing four sixes in a span of nine deliveries.
However, the Patriots were dealt an early setback when veteran opener Evin Lewis had to retire hurt in the second over after pulling a delivery from Shamar Joseph to the boundary. This sudden blow halted their momentum, and despite Fletcher’s aggression, the middle order struggled against disciplined bowling spells from Gudakesh Motie, Shepherd, and Tahir.
Lower-Order Push Adds Respectability
While wickets kept tumbling, Jyd Goolie and Abbas Afridi added some quick runs in the closing overs, lifting the Patriots to 153/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The total, though competitive on paper, eventually proved insufficient against a dominant Guyana batting display.
(Related reading: CPL 2025 Schedule and Fixtures – Stay updated with all matches and results.)
McDermott’s Fireworks Seal the Chase
Chasing 154, Guyana Amazon Warriors suffered an early setback with Kevlon Anderson falling cheaply. But McDermott’s aggressive intent quickly turned the tide. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter launched a counterattack, smashing Kyle Mayers and Fazalhaq Farooqi to all parts of the ground.
Farooqi, in particular, bore the brunt of McDermott’s assault in the fourth over, conceding three boundaries and a six. The carnage continued in the 10th over when Abbas Afridi was dispatched for 22 runs, putting the Warriors firmly in control.
Hope’s Calm Complements McDermott’s Aggression
While McDermott entertained with a dazzling 39-ball 75, Shai Hope anchored the innings perfectly. The pair combined for a decisive 115-run partnership off just 59 deliveries, effectively taking the game away from the Patriots.
Even after McDermott’s dismissal, which gave the Patriots’ bowlers brief hope as Naseem Shah and Afridi struck in quick succession, Hope stayed composed. His unbeaten 56 ensured that Guyana Amazon Warriors reached the target comfortably in 17.2 overs.
Key Performances and Turning Points
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Andre Fletcher’s 60 was the lone highlight for Patriots in a struggling batting performance.
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Dwaine Pretorius (3/43) and Imran Tahir (2/29) were instrumental in restricting the Patriots.
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McDermott’s 75 off 39 turned the chase into a one-sided affair.
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Hope’s 56 not out showcased experience and stability in finishing the job.
Brief Scores
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St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 153/8 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 60; Dwaine Pretorius 3-43, Imran Tahir 2-29)
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Guyana Amazon Warriors: 154/5 in 17.2 overs (Ben McDermott 75, Shai Hope 56*; Abbas Afridi 2-24)
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Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 5 wickets
Looking Ahead in CPL 2025
The Warriors’ emphatic win sets the tone for their CPL 2025 campaign, while the Patriots will need to regroup quickly to avoid early setbacks in the tournament. Fans can expect more high-octane action as the league progresses.
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