Guyana Amazon Warriors (GUY) defeated Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the final of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 Final to clinch their maiden title. The contest took place at Providence Stadium and witnessed sensational cricketing prowess from the Guyana-based team as they crushed the TKR by nine wickets.
Although Guyana Amazon Warriors’ win was marked by berserk celebration from players and spectators, it also witnessed an emotional moment as Guyana skipper Imran Tahir was seen teary-eyed after the victory.
Dwaine Pretorius dismantles Trinbago Knight Riders’ batting line-up
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Guyana Amazon Warriors bundled out Trinbago to a mere 94-run total. Keacy Carty was the only batter to put up a fight and scored resilient 38 runs off 45 deliveries for his team. Meanwhile, Dwaine Pretorius was the chief destructor with the ball for his team and bagged a brilliant four-fer. Gudakesh Motie and Tahir also chipped in with two wickets each.
Saim Ayub’s fifty guides Guyana Amazon Warriors to their maiden CPL title
In reply, Guyana easily chased the set target courtesy of a stunning fifty from their opener, Saim Ayub (52). Shai Hope contributed 32 runs as well, guiding Guyana to a title-clinching victory in 14 overs. Akeal Hosein was the only bowler to claim a wicket for Trinbago Knight Riders.
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Imran Tahir gets teary-eyed after Guyana’s title-clinching victory
Following the win, Guyana captain Tahir couldn’t control his tears and was seen crying. The video of the same went viral on the internet and has been shared by many.
Here’s the video:
When Ash says something, believe it. Imran Tahir thanks @ashwinravi99 after winning the CPL!
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.#CPL2023 #CPL2023Final @CPL pic.twitter.com/WtIDs36wyy— FanCode (@FanCode) September 25, 2023
Tahir thanks Ravichandran Ashwin for his motivating words
In the post-match presentation, Tahir also spoke about how people made fun of him after he was made captain and thanked India star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for motivating him.
“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. 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,” said Tahir.