Amazon Warriors Cruise Past Patriots in Dominant CPL 2025 Opener

Guyana Amazon Warriors kicked off their CPL 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, comfortably chasing down a modest target to register a five-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park.

Set 154 to win, the Amazon Warriors made light work of the chase, reaching the target with 16 balls to spare, thanks to a blistering 75 off 39 balls from Ben McDermott and a composed unbeaten 56 from Shai Hope. The pair combined for a 114-run partnership for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a dominant victory.

Earlier, the Warriors’ bowlers put on a clinical performance after choosing to field first. Despite a fighting 60 off 41 balls from Andre Fletcher, the Patriots struggled to build momentum. A brief partnership between Fletcher and Rilee Rossouw (12 off 14) added 45 runs, but consistent wickets prevented the hosts from posting a competitive total.

Evin Lewis, who had shown good form in the Patriots' previous match, retired hurt early in the innings after injuring his hand during a pull shot. With Rossouw failing to accelerate and the middle-order faltering, the Patriots found themselves under pressure throughout the innings.

A late cameo from Jyd Goolie (24* off 15) and a few lusty blows from Abbas Afridi (10 off 5) pushed the total to 153 for 8. Dwaine Pretorius led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 43, while veteran spinner Imran Tahir chipped in with 2 for 29.

In reply, Amazon Warriors lost Kevlon Anderson early, but McDermott quickly took charge. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter played an aggressive knock, peppering the boundary with ten fours and four sixes. Hope anchored the innings at the other end, switching gears as needed, and ensured there were no hiccups despite a mini-collapse after McDermott’s dismissal.

Afridi picked up two wickets for the Patriots, but the target never looked out of reach. McDermott was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.

This win comes as a strong statement from the Amazon Warriors in their tournament opener. The Patriots, on the other hand, will look to bounce back quickly after the high of winning their opening match against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons the previous day.

Match Summary:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 153/8 (Fletcher 60, Pretorius 3-43, Tahir 2-29)
Guyana Amazon Warriors: 154/5 in 17.2 overs (McDermott 75, Hope 56*, Afridi 2-24)
Result: Amazon Warriors won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Ben McDermott