Put into bat, the home side could only muster an under-par total of 137 which in itself came thanks to invaluable knocks from Shimron Hetmyer (63 off 33) and Romario Shepherd (34* off 22). However, the chase never took off for Patriots as only three of their batters got to double digits with Evin Lewis (49 off 46) being the lone ranger in the innings.
Shimron Hetmyer took a liking to the rest of the Patriots bowling however, a decisive and destructive innings of 63 off just 33 balls saw him scoop Player of the Match. Shimron Hetmyer is one of the brightest talents in the Caribbean and whenever he gets going, he has the ability to win the games for his side almost single-handedly. In the 21st match of CPL 2024, the southpaw showed his talent again and blasted 63 off just 33 balls on a difficult pitch at the Providence Stadium, Guyana against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Pitch and Toss
It’s one of the bigger grounds in the Caribbean. 64 and 65 meter square boundaries. 75 meter down the ground. Pitch looks quite dry and has some cracks. 170-190 will be challenging. Batters have to be wary reckons Danny Morrison in his pitch report
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots skipper Andre Fletcher won the toss and opts to field with two changes in the playing XI as Wanindu Hasaranga and Odean Smith replaced with Ashmead Nedd and Dominic Drakes . Guyana Amazon skipper Imran Tahir batting first made one change to his playing XI as Nathan Sowter misses out.
Shimron Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd guides Guyana’s Amazon Warriors to 137 for 8
On a typical Guyana surface that assisted spin considerably, Warriors’ innings got off to the worst possible start as Ashmead Nedd (4-25) dismissed openers Tim Robinson and Kevin Sinclair for ducks. Kyle Mayers then got the big breakthrough of Shai Hope for just seven as the home side found the going tough. Amidst the mayhem, Shimron Hetmyer found his range from the get-go and seemed to be batting on a different surface as he put the Patriots bowlers to the sword.
The southpaw was in marauding form until Tabraiz Shamsi trapped him LBW. At the time of his dismissal, the team total was only 83 with Shimron Hetmyer having scored 63 off those. The innings then floundered a bit before Shepherd produced a priceless cameo for the second game running.
Shimron Hetmyer plays for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League and is the most popular figure in the team. In this 21st match, he walked out to bat at the end of the first over itself as his team lost two wickets in the first six balls. Hetmyer, though, never looked in trouble and started going after the bowlers right from the onset. He smashed the Patriots all over the park and carted Ashmead Nedd for three sixes in an over.
The wickets kept falling at the other end, but Shimron Hetmyer kept going and got to his fifty in just 26 balls. He hit five sixes in his knock and was eventually removed by Tabraiz Shamsi in the 12th over. After his wicket, Warriors lost the plot for a bit, but Shepherd came in and smashed 34 off 22 balls to take Guyana to a competitive total. For the Patriots, Ashmead Nedd picked four wickets, and Shamsi also bagged two to keep Guyana Amazon Warriors in check despite Hetmyer’s heroics.
Electing to field first the Patriots restricted their opponents to 137/8, Ashmead Nedd impressing with four wickets including bagging both openers Tim Robinson and Kevin Sinclair for ducks. Tabraiz Shamsi’s flight and guile kept the Warriors tied down too, only 13 runs were scored off his left-arm wrist spin and the South African removed both Moeen Ali and Shimron Hetmyer.
Shimron Hetmyer took a liking to the rest of the Patriots bowling however, a decisive and destructive innings of 63 off just 33 balls saw him scoop Player of the Match.
Shamar Joseph’s 3 for 9 wins the match for Guyana Amazon Warriors by 30 runs
The target of 138 was below-par even with the tricky nature of the surface as there was a hint of dew setting in. Warriors’ bowlers, however, took the fight to the opposition and delivered an exceptional powerplay that saw just 27 runs scored. Moeen Ali (2-9) was outstanding in the first half of the chase, getting the ball to grip and turn appreciably.
Lewis played his shots but found little support as wickets fell around him. Eventually, the pressure of the asking rate got to him and once he fell to Dwaine Pretorius, young Shamar Joseph (3-9) mopped up the tail to complete a fantastic win for the Warriors.
Despite a dogged 49 off 46 balls from Evin Lewis at the top of the order the Patriots never truly looked like pulling off the victory. Moeen Ali caused all sorts of problems with the ball and the Patriots left themselves with too many runs to chase in the latter half of the innings and a the chance to pull off only their second victory in the competition eluded them.
Rilee Rossouw’s run-out in the 15th over seemed to extinguish the last vestiges of hope and Shamar Joseph was clinical for the Warriors, a rapid spell of fast bowling saw him end up with 3/9 in just 2.3 overs. A solid performance sees the Guyana Amazon Warriors keep their hopes of retaining the title they won last year very much alive.
Presentations and Road Ahead
Imran Tahir the winning skipper said : We had to adjust to the conditions. The home crowd came and supported. I was the most expensive spinner today but life is all about learning. I also have to adapt to conditions. I was wrong to flight the ball. Great to get over the line.
The fight, unity and the trust in each other is the key thing in our team. 150 is a good total. The guy got pissed (On introducing Shamar very late). He worked hard in the nets. He’s very passionate. Really good kid to have around. Proud of him they way he bowled today.
Andre Fletcher the losing skipper said : It was all about going out there and playing with pride, there is a draft coming up for next year. It was a tricky wicket. Very happy for him (Nedd) coming in and putting that performance. He got assistance as well. I can’t ask for anything more from the bowlers, let down in the fielding. Just that we didn’t play smart cricket today.
Shimron Hetmyer Player of the match for his 63 runs said : Brave I guess (Asked how he’d explain that innings). Only thing on my mind was, just stay as positive as possible. I am trying to enjoy my cricket a lot more now. Words can’t explain how great it is to play at home knowing the support you will get.
This win is amazing. It was only a matter of time for him (Shamar) to start picking up wickets. Really exciting and he just needs to keep doing what is doing. We just have to play exciting and brave cricket.
From 91/4 to 107 all-out. That was a mega collapse by the Patriots, a collapse triggered by Shamar Joseph not with his bowling, but with his stunning direct-hit off his own bowling. Lewis dropped anchor, Rossouw was using his experience but Shamar stunned the visitors when the duo were trying to steal a quick single and that opening was enough. The Warriors slammed the door open with Shamar, Tahir and Pretorius combining to wipe out the lower-order.
The Warriors jump to second spot with that win, while the Patriots unfortunately picked up their 8th straight loss. The Warriors with their incredible support at home will be the team to beat here. That’s it from the first game of the Guyana leg. The Kings and the Royals will lock horns in a few hours from now.
This is an important game for both the teams, Warriors are playing their first game at home this season and after two consecutive losses, they need to get back to winning ways. Patriots, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the table and would be itching to get a win under their belt to give their fans something to cheer in this season.