Amazon Warriors Open Campaign with Dominant Win
Beyond USA November 27, 2024 admin
The inaugural match of the Global Super League saw the Guyana Amazon Warriors claim a commanding six-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in front of a vibrant home crowd. The Warriors chased down a target of 125 with 12 balls to spare, marking an emphatic start to their campaign.
Winning the toss, Warriors captain Imran Tahir opted to bowl, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Tanzim Hasan Sakib etched his name into history, dismissing Mirza Baig lbw in the second over to claim the league’s first wicket. Despite the early setback, Baig’s opening partner Adam Rossington fought back with a flurry of boundaries, smashing two sixes and three fours. However, his resistance ended when he was caught by Dwaine Pretorius, a South African all-rounder who would go on to have an unforgettable night.
The Qalandars struggled to maintain momentum as the Warriors’ spin trio of Tahir, Gudakesh Motie, and the USA’s Hassan Khan applied relentless pressure. Tom Abell anchored the visitors’ innings, but regular wickets kept the score in check. Heading into the penultimate over, Lahore sat at 121-5, hoping for a strong finish.
Enter Dwaine Pretorius. In a stunning display of precision, Pretorius dismantled the Qalandars’ lineup, claiming four wickets in his final over. Tom Abell, Carlos Brathwaite, Asif Afridi, and Faheem Ashraf all fell victim, while Pretorius also contributed two catches in the field. His 4/21 performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Lahore’s innings ended at 124, with Salman Mirza falling in the final over.
Chasing a modest target, the Warriors faced steady resistance from the Qalandars’ bowlers. The match remained evenly poised until the 18th over, with 17 runs needed off 18 balls. However, left-arm seamer Salman Mirza’s final over proved costly, yielding 20 runs and sealing Lahore’s fate. Shai Hope anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 45 off 43 balls, while Keemo Paul finished in style, smashing a six to reach 27 off 13 deliveries.
The Warriors’ clinical performance sent a strong message to their competitors, kicking off the Global Super League with a statement victory.
