WATCH: Saim Ayub seals Guyana Amazon Warriors’ maiden CPL victory with a maximum

After five losses in the Caribbean Premier League finals previously, Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have finally got the crown in their sixth attempt. This victory befits their dominant campaign as they have pulled off six straight wins and lost just once in the league stage. Moreover, the top two run-scorers –  Shai Hope and Saim Ayub – and the top two wicket-takers of the season – Dwaine Pretorius and Imran Tahir – belong to them.

It was a below-par performance from the Trinbago Knight Riders batters at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. On a challenging surface, they showed a lack of application and instead of being patent, they tried power-hitting. After being asked to bat first, TKR openers Chadwick Walton and Mark Deyal gave a solid start for their team. However, star of the night Pretorius claimed the first of his four wickets by dismissing Dayal in the third over, inviting a collapse from the opposition.

Keacy Carty was TKR’s top scorer with 38, but that didn’t hurt GAW as it came off 45 balls. Pretorius, captain Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie shared nine wickets in the process of restricting them to 94-10 in 18.1 overs. Chasing a paltry total, Amazon Warriors lost the wicket of Keemo Paul early on. However, Saim Ayub and Shai Hope took them to the finish line. Needing six runs to win, Ayub smashed a six off Ali Khan and completed his half-century as well.

Watch the video of Saim Ayub’s match-winning six

This is one of the great achievements I have had in my life: Imran Tahir

Speaking after the match, GAW skipper Tahir said: “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. If I told you this is one of the great achievements I have had in my life. Want to congratulate all the players who did well, the youngsters. I really don’t know what to say, just want to say thank you to everyone for supporting us.”

“The players made my job easier, their familis. 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.”