PROVIDENCE, Guyana – In a panoramic rerun of final yr’s Republic Financial institution Caribbean Premier League (CPL) last, the Guyana Amazon Warriors edged the Saint Lucia Kings by two wickets in Recreation 29 at Windfall Stadium on Saturday evening, sealing their playoff berth in essentially the most dramatic style.
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With 4 wanted off the ultimate supply, Dwaine Pretorius stored his composure and launched a towering six over long-on to grab victory, sending the gang into raptures and breaking the hearts of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, who have been eradicated in consequence.
Nerve-shredding end
Chasing 186, the Warriors required 12 runs from the final over, with Kings skipper David Wiese entrusted with the ball. A no-ball waist-high full toss provided a free hit, however Moeen Ali might solely handle a single to additional cowl.
Moments later, Windfall held its breath as a delay to repair the non-striker’s stumps solely heightened the strain. Within the very subsequent play, substitute fielder Shadrack Descarte produced a rocket throw to expire Moeen, leaving the Warriors in peril.
However Pretorius stood tall below strain, silencing the Kings’ celebrations by smoking the ultimate ball into the stands, sealing victory with ice in his veins.
Chase lifts Kings to aggressive complete
Earlier, after profitable the toss, the Kings’ innings stuttered at first. Tim Seifert miscued a slog sweep within the second over to depart cheaply, and Johnson Charles quickly adopted for 16, leaving the defending champions wobbling at 27 for 2.
The restoration got here by Ackeem Auguste and the skilled Roston Chase, who rebuilt with calm authority. Chase was imperious, crafting an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, laced with six fours and 5 sixes, guiding the Kings to a difficult 185 for 4.
For the Warriors, Pretorius was the standout with the ball, returning 2 for 36 in his 4 overs, making use of brakes when the Kings threatened to speed up additional.
Sampson units the tone
In reply, younger opener Quentin Sampson lit up Windfall with an audacious 76 from simply 39 balls, an innings brimming with energy and intent that stored the Warriors inside putting distance all through the chase.
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His momentum was complemented by one other regular contribution from Shai Hope, who compiled a cultured 44 off 34 deliveries, making certain the chase by no means drifted too removed from the Warriors’ grasp.
Revenge secured, playoffs assured
The match, which swung repeatedly throughout each innings, in the end boiled all the way down to Pretorius’ nerve towards Wiese’s expertise within the last over. The Warriors’ triumph not solely served as candy revenge for final yr’s last defeat to the Kings but additionally ensured their match survival, propelling them into the CPL playoffs.
For the Kings, Chase’s masterclass and Wiese’s battle weren’t sufficient to forestall defeat in a recreation that can lengthy be remembered for its excessive drama and last-ball heroics.