PROVIDENCE, Guyana – In a breathtaking rerun of last year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final, the Guyana Amazon Warriors edged the Saint Lucia Kings by two wickets in Game 29 at Providence Stadium on Saturday night, sealing their playoff berth in the most dramatic fashion.
With four needed off the final delivery, Dwaine Pretorius kept his composure and launched a towering six over long-on to snatch victory, sending the crowd into raptures and breaking the hearts of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, who were eliminated as a result.
Nerve-shredding finish
Chasing 186, the Warriors required 12 runs from the last over, with Kings skipper David Wiese entrusted with the ball. A no-ball waist-high full toss offered a free hit, but Moeen Ali could only manage a single to extra cover.
Moments later, Providence held its breath as a delay to fix the non-striker’s stumps only heightened the tension. In the very next play, substitute fielder Shadrack Descarte produced a rocket throw to run out Moeen, leaving the Warriors in peril.
But Pretorius stood tall under pressure, silencing the Kings’ celebrations by smoking the final ball into the stands, sealing victory with ice in his veins.
Chase lifts Kings to competitive total
Earlier, after winning the toss, the Kings’ innings stuttered at the start. Tim Seifert miscued a slog sweep in the second over to depart cheaply, and Johnson Charles soon followed for 16, leaving the defending champions wobbling at 27 for two.
The recovery came through Ackeem Auguste and the experienced Roston Chase, who rebuilt with calm authority. Chase was imperious, crafting an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes, guiding the Kings to a challenging 185 for four.
For the Warriors, Pretorius was the standout with the ball, returning 2 for 36 in his four overs, applying brakes when the Kings threatened to accelerate further.
Sampson sets the tone
In reply, young opener Quentin Sampson lit up Providence with an audacious 76 from just 39 balls, an innings brimming with power and intent that kept the Warriors within striking distance throughout the chase.
His momentum was complemented by another steady contribution from Shai Hope, who compiled a classy 44 off 34 deliveries, ensuring the chase never drifted too far from the Warriors’ grasp.
Revenge secured, playoffs guaranteed
The match, which swung repeatedly across both innings, ultimately boiled down to Pretorius’ nerve against Wiese’s experience in the final over. The Warriors’ triumph not only served as sweet revenge for last year’s final defeat to the Kings but also ensured their tournament survival, propelling them into the CPL playoffs.
For the Kings, Chase’s masterclass and Wiese’s fight were not enough to prevent defeat in a game that will long be remembered for its high drama and last-ball heroics.
