Amazon Warriors blitz Royals to secure top two finish

The final group game of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw the Guyana Amazon Warriors emphatically defeat the Barbados Royals to secure a spot in Wednesday’s Qualifier 1 where they will face the Saint Lucia Kings. Given that finishing in the top two gives the Kings and Warriors two chances to reach the final, this was a crucial victory for the Guyanese-based side.

Tuesday’s Eliminator will see the Trinbago Knight Riders take on the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. The winner of that match will take on the loser of the game between the Kings and the Warriors.

The Warriors win in this game was set up by another excellent half century from Quentin Sampson who has ended the questions over who should be batting at the top of the order for his side. Shimron Hetmyer top scored for the Warriors with 68 from 39 balls as he and Sampson helped their side to a match winning 189/6.

Shimron Hetmyer hit 68 off 39 balls. (Cricinfo)

With a classy 31 from Shai Hope and some lusty blows at the end of the innings from Romario Shepherd the total proved to be two much for a Royals side who finish this year’s CPL at the bottom of the table.

When the Royals came out to bat it was vital that they had a solid start but three wickets inside the Power-Play meant that their chase never really got started. The early damage was done by Dwaine Pretorius and Shamar Joseph, the latter bowling Rassie van der Dussen with a firebolt that uprooted his off stump.

With the pressure on the middle order to rebuild and stay up with the rate the pressure became too much for the Royals who crumbled at the death to Gudakesh Motie’s spin as he took a career best 5/21 with Kofi James’ quick fire 26 the only real highlight of their chase.

The focus will now be on the CPL playoffs which get underway on Tuesday. (cplt20.com)