Tahir’s Five-For, Hope-Hetmyer Stand Power Amazon Warriors to Big Win Over Falcons

Tahir’s Five-For, Hope-Hetmyer Stand Power Amazon Warriors to Big Win Over Falcons

A vintage performance from captain Imran Tahir, coupled with a commanding 106-run stand between Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, propelled Guyana Amazon Warriors to a resounding 83-run win over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League.

Defending a daunting target of 212, the 46-year-old Tahir rolled back the years with a magical spell of 5 for 21 — his first five-wicket haul in CPL history — dismantling the Falcons’ middle order in a rain-hit encounter at North Sound.

Despite a blistering start that saw the Falcons reach 58 in just four overs, early wickets derailed their chase. Dwaine Pretorius removed openers Rahkeem Cornwall and Jewel Andrew, while Karima Gore’s brisk 31 off 14 balls provided brief resistance.

But once Gore fell to Romario Shepherd in the fifth over, the innings spiraled. Tahir’s entry in the seventh over proved decisive — he delivered a double-wicket maiden, removing Shakib Al Hasan and Imad Wasim in quick succession. His clever use of flight and variation triggered a collapse that saw the Falcons lose five wickets for 39 runs, eventually folding for 128 in 15.2 overs.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, the Amazon Warriors rode on a composed knock from Shai Hope, who scored 82 off 54 balls. Hope, initially slow with 33 off 32 deliveries, shifted gears after the 11th over to accelerate the innings.

He was ably supported by Shimron Hetmyer, who smashed a fiery 65 off just 26 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes. The pair put together a 106-run stand off only 44 balls, laying the foundation for a formidable total.

After Hope’s dismissal, Shepherd added the finishing touches with a rapid 25 off 8 balls*, helping the Warriors post 211 for 3. Notably, 145 of those runs came in the final nine overs, including 41 runs in the last two overs alone.

The comprehensive win was the Amazon Warriors’ second in as many matches, lifting them to second place on the points table. The Falcons, despite topping the standings, have now suffered three losses in five games.

Match Summary:

  • Guyana Amazon Warriors 211/3 (Hope 82, Hetmyer 65; Imad 1-20)

  • Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 128 all out (Gore 31; Tahir 5-21, Shepherd 2-16, Pretorius 2-44)

  • Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 83 runs

  • Player of the Match: Imran Tahir

With back-to-back dominant performances, the Amazon Warriors look like early title contenders, while the Falcons will need to regroup quickly to maintain their position at the top.