Hope, Hetmyer blitz sets up big win for Guyana Amazon Warriors

The Guyana Amazon Warriors defeated the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by 83 runs.

The Warriors scored 211 for 3 thanks to Shai Hope (82 off 54), Shimron Hetmyer (65* off 26) and Romario Shepherd (25* off 8). Imran Tahir took career best figures of 5 for 21 in 4 overs for the Falcons, who were bowled out for 128.

The Amazon Warriors started slowly, with Ben McDermott dismissed cheaply and Kevlon Anderson struggling. Hope survived a run-out chance and then pulled McCoy for a boundary to get going. A brief rain delay did not affect the game.

Anderson hit a six to bring up the 50-run stand, but the Warriors were still struggling at 63 for 1 at the halfway stage. Hetmyer and Hope then took charge, hitting two sixes in the 12th over. Hope brought up his 50 with consecutive sixes off Usama Mir.

The Warriors scored 87 runs in the death overs, with Hope falling at the end of the 18th over. Hetmyer continued to score freely, while Shepherd added the finishing touches.

The Falcons began positively with Rakheem Cornwall hitting a four and a six, but he was dismissed off the next ball. Jewel Andrew also showed promise but was soon out. Karima Gore was looking dangerous before being dismissed by Shepherd.

Shakib Al Hasan was stumped off Tahir, and Tahir then took two wickets in a maiden over, including the wicket of captain Imad Wasim. Tahir continued his impressive spell, taking the wickets of Shamar Springer and Bevon Jacobs. He then sealed his five-fer by dismissing Mir and McCoy. Gudakesh Motie wrapped up the innings by dismissing Fabian Allen.

Brief Scores:
Guyana Amazon Warriors 211/3 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 82, Shimron Hetmyer 65*; Imad Wasim 1-20, Jayden Seales 1-34) beat Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 128 in 15.2 overs (Karima Gore 31, Bevon Jacobs 26; Imran Tahir 5-21, Romario Shepherd 2-16) by 83 runs