Warriors Secure Top-Two Finish with Decisive Victory over Royals

The culmination of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) group stage witnessed a decisive victory for the Guyana Amazon Warriors over the Barbados Royals on September 16, 2025. This triumph propelled the Warriors into Qualifier 1, setting up a clash against the Saint Lucia Kings, and more importantly, securing them a double chance to reach the coveted final. Finishing in the top two positions grants both the Kings and Warriors two opportunities to advance to the championship match, making this particular win a pivotal achievement for the Guyana-based franchise. The Barbados Royals, on the other hand, concluded their CPL campaign at the bottom of the table. The remaining playoff contenders, the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, will face off in the Eliminator on Tuesday. The victor of this match will then compete against the loser of the Kings vs. Warriors Qualifier 1 encounter, vying for a place in the final.

The foundation of the Warriors’ emphatic victory was laid by Quentin Sampson, who silenced any lingering doubts about his position at the top of the batting order with another impressive half-century. Sampson’s contribution proved instrumental in setting the stage for a formidable total. This was further bolstered by Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive innings of 68 runs off just 39 balls. Their partnership formed the backbone of the Warriors’ imposing total of 189/6, a target that ultimately proved insurmountable for the Royals. Shai Hope’s elegant 31 runs and Romario Shepherd’s late-innings power hitting further solidified the Warriors’ dominant position.

Facing a challenging run chase, the Barbados Royals’ hopes of victory were dashed early on. Their top order crumbled under pressure, losing three crucial wickets within the Power-Play. Dwaine Pretorius and Shamar Joseph spearheaded the early onslaught, with Joseph delivering a searing yorker to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen, uprooting his off stump. This early setback put immense pressure on the Royals’ middle order, who were tasked with rebuilding the innings while keeping pace with the demanding required run rate.

The mounting pressure proved too much for the Royals to handle. They struggled to build partnerships and accelerate the scoring rate, eventually succumbing to the spin wizardry of Gudakesh Motie. Motie delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5 wickets for a mere 21 runs, effectively dismantling the Royals’ batting lineup. Kofi James’ brief cameo of 26 runs provided a fleeting spark of resistance, but it proved insufficient to alter the course of the match. The Royals’ chase ultimately faltered, leaving them defeated and eliminated from the tournament.

With the group stage concluded, the focus now shifts to the highly anticipated CPL playoffs. The Eliminator between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will kick off the playoff proceedings on Tuesday. This crucial match will determine which team progresses to face the loser of the Qualifier 1 between the Saint Lucia Kings and the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The playoff stage promises high-octane cricket and intense competition as the remaining teams vie for a place in the CPL final.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors enter the playoffs with significant momentum, having secured a crucial victory and a top-two finish. Their strong batting performance, combined with a potent bowling attack, makes them a formidable contender for the title. The Saint Lucia Kings, having also secured a top-two spot, are equally well-positioned for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will be determined to capitalize on their remaining opportunity, fighting tooth and nail for a chance to advance to the next stage of the tournament. The CPL playoffs are set to deliver thrilling cricket action as the teams battle it out for the coveted championship trophy.