GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Imran Tahir stated criticism of his appointment as captain of Guyana Amazon Warriors helped encourage him to attain success within the simply concluded Caribbean Premier League.
The 43-year-old South African oversaw Amazon Warriors’ first-ever seize of the regional T20 title when he led them to a crushing nine-wicket win over four-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders within the ultimate right here on Sunday.
Amazon Warriors had but to achieve success in 5 earlier journeys to the ultimate, the primary coming again in 2013 within the match’s inaugural yr.
“Lots of people stated many destructive issues earlier than I got here,” an emotional Tahir stated following the ultimate on the Guyana Nationwide Stadium.
“Coming into the competitors, everybody [was] sending jokes that I change into a captain, so these issues motivated me, so I wish to thank the individuals who stated that.
“I additionally wish to thank my household and all of the gamers’ households. They’ve been on the highway with us. It’s been a terrific journey, a rare journey.”
He added: “It’s been a terrific expertise taking part in for this lovely franchise and for these lovely individuals who at all times come and help us. I’m simply actually grateful to the Almighty.”
Tahir grabbed two wickets within the ultimate to take his tally for the match to 18, simply behind the main wicket-taker – fellow South African Dwaine Pretorious, who spearheaded the Amazon Warriors assault.
Amazon Warriors additionally boasted the match’s two main run-scorers, West Indies one-day captain Shai Hope amassing 481 runs at a median of 53 and 21-year-old Pakistani left-hander Saim Ayub gathering 478 at a median of 43.
Fittingly, Hope and Saim mixed in an entertaining 84-run, unbroken second-wicket stand to information Amazon Warriors to victory within the ultimate.
“Since we began from St Lucia, we had the assumption. We at all times get into the semis and finals after which [not won the title],” Tahir stated.
“We simply labored very laborious. Outcomes would by no means be in our arms, however we knew we had been gelling effectively from the day we arrived, despite the fact that we by no means discovered an opener. That is the attractive factor about our staff tradition.
“I’m simply actually grateful to each participant; they gave their hearts out, particularly within the final two video games. We performed like we had by no means performed earlier than. They made my job simpler.”
Whereas praising the league’s organizers, Tahir stated the title conquest was one of many highlights of his taking part in profession.
“If I instructed you this is likely one of the biggest achievements I’ve, then clearly that is a rare second,” he stated.
“And taking part in in CPL for the final six years, I wish to thank CPL and the way they organized this league – it has been lovely and unbelievable. Excellent competitors.”
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