Pretorius’ Last-Ball Six Sends Amazon Warriors into CPL Playoffs

Pretorius’ Last-Ball Six Sends Amazon Warriors into CPL Playoffs

A dramatic final-ball six from Dwaine Pretorius sealed a heart-stopping two-wicket win for Guyana Amazon Warriors over St Lucia Kings, propelling them into the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoffs in sensational fashion. Chasing 186, Pretorius struck a full toss from David Wiese over long-on when five were needed off the final delivery, triggering wild celebrations at the Providence Stadium and eliminating St Kitts and Nevis Patriots from playoff contention.

The win moved Amazon Warriors to 10 points and fourth place on the points table, with a game in hand against Barbados Royals. A victory there could even lift them into the top two.

A Final Over for the Ages

The tense final over saw high drama. With 12 needed off the last six balls, Moeen Ali’s catch was dropped at the boundary on Wiese’s second ball, which was also called a no-ball for height. After the free-hit yielded a run and Moeen was run out attempting a second, the equation came down to 5 off 1. Pretorius, facing a full toss intended as a yorker, stayed calm under pressure and launched it over the ropes, sealing one of the most thrilling wins of the tournament.

Sampson Sets the Tone

Quentin Sampson gave Amazon Warriors early momentum with an aggressive 76 from 39 balls. After losing Ben McDermott early, Sampson stitched a brisk partnership with Shai Hope, bringing up his half-century in just 27 balls and powering the team past 100 in the 11th over.

However, St Lucia’s Roston Chase fought back with a brilliant all-round performance. He removed Sampson and Shimron Hetmyer off consecutive deliveries, triggering a middle-order collapse. Hetmyer’s duck was his second in as many games and his third of the tournament, continuing a poor run of form.

With wickets tumbling and the score slipping to 133 for 6, the match looked tilted in Kings' favour. But Hope kept the chase alive with a patient 44 off 33 balls before falling to Wiese with 23 still needed from 12 balls. Moeen Ali hit a six off the first ball of the penultimate over to reduce the target further, setting the stage for Pretorius' heroics.

Chase Shines in Vain

Earlier, Chase had starred with the bat as well, smashing an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls after coming in at No. 4. Kings were in early trouble at 27 for 2, with Pretorius knocking over Johnson Charles with a superb delivery in the powerplay — his seventh such wicket this season, joint-most alongside Khary Pierre and Ramon Simmonds.

Chase counter-attacked fiercely, hitting Moeen Ali for 6, 4, 6, 4 in a five-ball blitz. Partnering with Ackeem Auguste, who hit a rapid 50 off 29 balls, Chase helped Kings recover and post a competitive 185 for 4.

After Auguste’s dismissal to Imran Tahir, Chase shouldered the innings. He brought up his fifty in 32 balls and was dropped on 73 by Hetmyer, a costly miss. Despite scoring a rapid 90* and picking up 3 for 30 later with the ball, Chase's efforts ultimately went in vain.

What’s Next?

Guyana Amazon Warriors now look ahead to their final league match against Barbados Royals, with a chance to climb into the top two and secure a second shot at reaching the CPL final. For St Lucia Kings, the result doesn’t affect their top-table finish but could shake their momentum heading into the knockouts.

Match Summary:

St Lucia Kings: 185 for 4 in 20 overs

  • Roston Chase 90* (55)

  • Ackeem Auguste 50 (29)

  • Dwaine Pretorius 2 for 36

Guyana Amazon Warriors: 188 for 8 in 20 overs

  • Quentin Sampson 76 (39)

  • Shai Hope 44 (33)

  • Roston Chase 3 for 30

Points Table Update:

  • Guyana Amazon Warriors: 4th, 10 points (1 match remaining)

  • St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Eliminated

Pretorius’ six will go down as one of the iconic moments of CPL 2025 — a reminder that in T20 cricket, it’s never over until the last ball is bowled.