Rizwan, Naseem Keep Patriots' Playoff Hopes Alive with Thrilling Win Over Amazon Warriors
In a high-pressure must-win encounter, Mohammad Rizwan’s composed 85 and Naseem Shah’s nerveless final over helped St Kitts and Nevis Patriots clinch a narrow five-run victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors, keeping their slim hopes for a CPL 2025 playoff berth alive.
Defending a modest total of 149, Patriots needed to restrict the Warriors to 10 or fewer in the final over. With Guyana needing 11 runs and three wickets in hand, Naseem Shah delivered a clutch performance. He struck with the first ball, having Keemo Paul caught at long-on, and expertly mixed slower deliveries and yorkers to concede just five runs in the over, sealing the win.
The result broke a three-match losing streak for the Patriots, who must now win their final league fixture against Barbados Royals and rely on other results to progress to the playoffs.
Rizwan Anchors Patriots' Innings
Earlier in the day, Patriots found themselves in early trouble at 26 for 3 inside five overs after the top order — Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, and Leniko Boucher — fell cheaply. Mohammad Rizwan, however, played a pivotal knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 85 off 62 balls.
Forming key partnerships with Rilee Rossouw and later with the lower order, Rizwan paced his innings expertly. He accelerated after a steady start, going from 36 off 30 balls to finishing on 85 with eight fours and three sixes. His efforts were vital in taking the Patriots to 149 for 6 — a total that proved just enough.
Warriors Falter Despite Strong Start
Chasing 150, Guyana Amazon Warriors looked in control early, reaching 41 for 1 by the end of the powerplay. But the middle order crumbled under pressure. Hassan Khan was dismissed via a return catch to Dominic Drakes, and Navin Bidaisee bowled Shai Hope with a ball that stayed low.
At the 15-over mark, both sides were evenly poised at 100 for 5. While Patriots had Rizwan well set, the Warriors lacked a similar anchor. Attempts to accelerate saw wickets fall regularly, with Dwaine Pretorius and Romario Shepherd perishing in quick succession.
Shepherd, who was dropped by Rizwan off a thin edge, hit a six the very next ball but couldn't stay on long enough. Jason Holder removed him with a short ball, and though Quenton Sampson struck two boundaries to keep the chase alive, the target proved just out of reach in the final over.
Brief Scores:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 149/6 (Mohammad Rizwan 85*, Motie 2-44, Hassan 2-21)
Guyana Amazon Warriors: 144/8 (Hope 31, Naseem Shah 2-29, Salamkheil 2-28)
Result: Patriots won by 5 runs
Player of the Match: Mohammad Rizwan
Patriots now face a do-or-die scenario in their final league match against Barbados Royals on Friday, needing a win and favorable results elsewhere to stay in contention for the playoffs.