Barbadian Shai Hope struck a quick-fire century to help the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their highest-ever total of 226-7 in their victory over the Barbados Royals in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at Providence on Sunday.
Barbados Royals had won the toss and bowled first, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors causing carnage with Hope scoring the second fastest century in CPL history from just 41 balls, on route to the Amazon Warriors scoring their highest team score in the CPL.
The total proved to be too much for the Barbados Royals, spinners Gudakesh Motie and Imran Tahir taking wickets at frequent intervals to restrict the Royals to 138-6, losing by 88 runs.
With play-off qualification already secured, Guyana Amazon Warriors started with attacking intent, opening with Saim Ayub and Odean Smith, who put together 35 runs in the first three overs. Ayub would then lose his wicket, bringing Hope into the match, who played one of the most memorable innings in CPL history.
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Royals’ chase suffers early blow
Hope’s innings included 17 boundaries and was supported by Kevlon Anderson, making his T20 debut, who would score 47. Shimron Hetmyer’s late cameo would see the Amazon Warriors to their final score.
Barbados Royals’ chase suffered an early blow as opener Rahkeem Cornwall departed in the third over, while Gudakesh Motie used his variations to dismiss Justin Greaves and Laurie Evans, to leave the Royals 42-3 with the run rate gradually increasing.
Once Rovman Powell was bowled by Imran Tahir the odds became stacked against the Royals, and they were unable to keep up with the required run rate despite a half century from Rivaldo Clarke.
The result means that the Royals do not qualify for the CPL play-offs.
CPL moves to the play-off stages as Guyana Amazon Warriors face Trinbago Knight Riders in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday, while Saint Lucia Kings take on Jamaica Tallawahs in the Eliminator on Tuesday.
