A Hard Fought Lesson

It turned out to be a relatively easy game for Guyana Amazon Warriors against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the fourth game of CPL 2020. Chasing a relatively moderate target of 128, Guyana romped home with three overs and three wickets to spare.

Shimron Hetmyer heralded the chase with a powerful 71 off 44 balls. Barring a couple of run-outs and a cluster of late wickets that ushered in some false excitement there was nothing really for the SKNP camp to write. With two defeats in as many matches, the former finalists have their task cut out from here in the six-team league.

Earlier St. Kitts slipped from a promising 54 for two at the end of six overs (power play) to finish at a well below par 127. The innings failed to move in the second half. Having scored 76 in the first ten, the plans did not come off at the back end with the middle and lower order mustering a mere 51 in the final ten, to round off a disappointing batting effort.

The start was robust though. Evin Lewis put the attack to sword with an attacking 30 off 18 before a brilliant stumping by Pooran brought the innings to an end. Chris Lynn for the second day running was guilty of trying to hit the cover off every ball, his 14-ball 16 did not help things either.

With boundaries drying up and no momentum in play, it was left to Ben Dunk to carry his side to a respectable score. Dunk was easily the best batsman on view but his run out further derailed the effort. That only four boundaries were scored from overs seven to 20 sums up the story.

Full credit to the Guyana Amazon bowlers who kept a tight leash with an impeccable line and length. Imran Tahir led the show with two vital strikes. Youngster Keemo Paul reaped rich rewards at the death with four wickets to ensure his side chased an easy target.

SKNP made three changes to their team that lost to Barbados Tridents in their opening game.