Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive knock of 91 powered the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a stunning 40-run victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in a record-filled Caribbean Premier League (CPL) encounter on Wednesday at Warner Park, keeping the Warriors unbeaten in the tournament.
The Warriors posted a massive 266 for seven, the second-highest total in CPL history, falling just one run short of the all-time record held by the Trinbago Knight Riders (267 for two in 2019).
The Patriots, led by captain Andre Fletcher’s valiant 81, made a strong attempt to chase down the daunting target, but were ultimately bowled out for 226 in 18 overs. The combined 492 runs in the match ranks as the second-highest total in CPL history, while the 42 sixes smashed during the contest equalled the world record for the most sixes in a men’s T20 match, set earlier this year in the Indian Premier League.
Struggling for form earlier in the tournament
Hetmyer, struggling for form earlier in the tournament, came alive with a blistering 39-ball 91, blasting 11 sixes in an exhilarating display of power hitting. He was supported by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who contributed a well-crafted 69, and Keemo Paul, who chipped in with a rapid 38 as the Warriors set a towering target.
Despite early setbacks, with Kevin Sinclair (17) and Shai Hope (12) falling cheaply, Hetmyer and Gurbaz forged a game-changing 116-run partnership, tearing into the Patriots’ bowling attack. Hetmyer’s 50 came off just 23 balls, and no bowler was spared as the powerful left-hander repeatedly cleared the boundary.
The Patriots’ Odean Smith missed a golden opportunity to dismiss Hetmyer when he was on 18, dropping a return catch that proved costly. Hetmyer went on to anchor the innings before falling just shy of his century, skying a catch to mid-off in the 19th over. His partnership with Keemo Paul added crucial runs at the back end of the innings, pushing the total beyond the Patriots’ reach.
Slid from 175 for 4 to 175 for 7
In their chase, the Patriots were buoyed by Fletcher, who smashed 81, and Kyle Mayers, who contributed 28, as they added 69 runs in just five overs after the early dismissal of Evin Lewis (3). Sherfane Rutherford kept the Patriots in contention with a 38-run blitz, but once he fell to Raymon Reifer, the innings unraveled.
The Patriots slid from 175 for 4 to 175 for 7, losing wickets in quick succession as the Warriors tightened their grip. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie both claimed three wickets apiece, while Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with two wickets to seal the win.
Despite Fletcher’s valiant effort, the Patriots ultimately fell 40 runs short, as the Warriors maintained their unbeaten run in the CPL.
