Warriors turn up the heat to sink Falcons

Guyana Amazon Warriors made a statement to the rest of the tournament, winning their third consecutive game with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The Warriors skittled the Falcons for just 116, led by an electric spell from speedster Shamar Joseph, who finished with 3 for 22. Imran Tahir and Khary Pierre also played key roles with the ball before Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope combined to complete an emphatic victory in the Falcons’ own backyard in front of a packed Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Asked to bat first, the Falcons looked to employ the same conservative approach that had served them well in their victory over the Knight Riders the previous night. A modest 49 for 2 from the Power Play appeared to give them a decent platform, particularly on a pitch expected to offer more for the batters later in the innings.

Amir Jangoo, after an improved performance the night before, appeared to be finding a rich vein of form and was settling nicely. But overs seven through 11 have proven a tricky period at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, and this match was no different.

The spin duo of Imran Tahir and Mohammad Nabi, along with a probing over from Joseph, strangled the Falcons’ scoring during that period, conceding just 33 runs and steadily building the pressure. From there, the Falcons’ promising platform began to unravel, with wickets falling in almost every over. Kusal Perera and Shadab Khan were unable to replicate their heroics from the previous night, with their partnership lasting just two runs after a chaotic mix-up left Perera run out.

With the tail exposed, Joseph turned up the heat. The fast bowler regularly breached the 150kph mark during a blistering spell, while experienced Warriors captain Tahir rolled back the years with a superb display to claim two wickets.

The Falcons crumbled to 116 all out, with Jangoo’s 37 the top score, leaving their bowlers with a mountain to climb if they were to defend the modest total. The Warriors’ chase got off to a slightly nervous start as Glenn Phillips and Matthew Nandu fell cheaply, briefly breathing life into the Antiguan faithful.

But Shai Hope quickly took control, restoring the Warriors’ momentum and putting them firmly in command by the end of the Power Play. His confidence appeared to rub off on Hetmyer, who joined the assault at the other end.

The pair proceeded to dismantle the Falcons attack, racing towards what looked like an early finish. Hetmyer fell just short of a century partnership with Hope, however, edging behind to Jangoo immediately after smashing a maximum down the ground. His piercing cry of frustration summed up his disappointment at not being there to finish the job.

Quentin Sampson needed just one delivery to put the finishing touches on the victory, launching a maximum as the Warriors wrapped up the chase inside 10 overs.

The Falcons will close out their home leg on Tuesday against the Barbados Tridents, while the Warriors have a week to prepare for their next fixture against the Trinbago Knight Riders on the final day of August in Port of Spain.