Last Update on: September 25th, 2023 at 11:14 am
Veteran spinner Imran Tahir, on Sunday (September 24), led Guyana Amazon Warriors to their first-ever title in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). And they could not have asked for a better opponent to beat in the title decider.
The Guyana-based outfit thrashed Trinbago Knight Riders, the most successful side in the history of CPL, to win their maiden title. Guyana Amazon Warriors had finished on the wrong side of the result in the final on five occasions before finally getting it right this time. They thoroughly outplayed their fancied opponents to clinch the title.
Captain Imran Tahir won the toss and elected to bowl first. His decision was totally justified by his teammates as Guyana Amazon Warriors bowled out the Knight Riders for a paltry total of 94 runs. Only three batters could reach double digits for the Knight Riders during the disastrous display with the bat.
For Guyana, Dwaine Pretorius picked up 4 wickets while Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie picked up two each. With the bat, the Guyana Amazon Warriors chased down the total in 14 overs by losing just 1 wicket. Saim Ayub scored an unbeaten fifty to lead his team’s charge with the bat.
Imran Tahir gets emotional:
Imran Tahir became emotional after leading Guyana Amazon Warriors to the historic title. Speaking at the end of the game, a visibly emotional 44-year-old Imran Tahir began by stating how he was motivated after jokes were made on his appointment as the captain of the sided. He also thanked Ravichandran Ashwin for his motivating words before the competition.
“Beautiful (feeling). Great experience to play for this beautiful franchise and people who always support us. Everyone were sending jokes that I became captain. That actually motivated me, I wanna say thanks to those people,” said Imran Tahir.
“Thanks to our analyst Prasanna. He worked almost 20 hours a day to give us plans. Also want to thank R Ashwin from India. Before the tournament he said our team will do it. Thank you to our owners for checking on everything we need… If I told you this is one of the great achievements I have had in my life.
“The players made my job easier, their families. I am happy that I am the first captain to achieve this for Guyana. We were more hungry than ever before. Team belief was there.
“I told the team we have been the best team in the competition and if we play the way we have played to our potential we will win. Since I arrived it was my dream (to win the title. Pauses for a moment as he gets emotional). I’m grateful for this support. Love you all,” he added.
