Imran Tahir, the seasoned veteran spinner, showcased his leadership skills on a memorable Sunday, guiding the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their inaugural triumph in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 against a very formidable Trinbago Knight Riders.
Their path to glory couldn’t have been more fitting, as they vanquished probably the best team in the Caribbean, Trinbago Knight Riders, who boasts an illustrious CPL history.
Hailing from Guyana, the Warriors left no room for doubt in the title showdown, delivering a resounding victory over the Knight Riders. This triumph was a long-awaited one, considering their five previous final appearances had ended in disappointment. Their dominance on the field was evident as they seized the coveted championship.
Captain Imran Tahir made a pivotal decision, choosing to field first after winning the toss. This strategic move proved wise, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors restricting the Knight Riders to a meager total of 94 runs. The Knight Riders’ batting lineup faltered miserably, with only three players managing to breach double-digit scores.
Guyana’s bowlers, spearheaded by Dwaine Pretorius with four wickets, along with Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie, who claimed two wickets each, orchestrated the Knight Riders’ downfall.
With the bat, the Guyana Amazon Warriors confidently chased down the target in just 14 overs, losing a solitary wicket in the process. Saim Ayub’s unbeaten fifty epitomized their commanding performance with the bat.
Imran Tahir was visibly moved as he spoke following the historic victory that saw him lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors to the title. The 44-year-old spinner expressed his emotions, revealing that he had found motivation despite initial skepticism surrounding his appointment as captain.
Tahir also extended his gratitude to Ravichandran Ashwin for providing encouraging words before the competition commenced. “Everyone were sending jokes that I became captain. Want to thank R Ashwin from India. Before the tournament he said our team will do it,” said the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player.
