The Daily Star Ireland
With only five group-stage matches left in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, every point is now vital. Only the top four teams will progress to the play-offs, meaning the margins are fine and the pressure is mounting.
At the top of the standings, Saint Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders lead the way with 12 points each from nine matches. At the other end, the Barbados Royals are rooted to the bottom with just one victory from seven games. For the sides in this fixture, there’s room for optimism, but also a reminder that the chasing St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, only two points behind the Amazon Warriors, remain a real threat.
Guyana Amazon Warriors Preview
Guyana’s last outing ended in disappointment as they suffered a five-run defeat to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in a low-scoring contest. Despite the loss, their bowling attack impressed. Gudakesh Motie and Hassan Khan each took two wickets, while Romario Shepherd also chipped in, and captain Imran Tahir kept things tight with his economical spell.
The challenge continues to be with the bat. Openers Ben McDermott and Moeen Ali are under pressure to provide a stronger platform, though Shai Hope, batting at number three, remains a consistent anchor in the line-up. The middle order, featuring Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul, will need to step up if the Warriors are to post or chase competitive totals.
Predicted XI:
Ben McDermott, Moeen Ali, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Hassan Khan, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Romario Shepherd, Quentin Sampson, Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir (c)
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Preview
The Falcons enter this game buoyed by a thrilling last-ball victory against the struggling Barbados Royals, chasing down 188 with four wickets in hand. Their batting looked sharp, but concerns remain over their bowling unit, which managed to pick up just four wickets.
Salman Irshad and Obed McCoy were the only bowlers to strike in that game, while senior figures like Shakib Al Hasan, Jayden Seales, and Imad Wasim will be expected to deliver more penetration against Guyana.
With the bat, opener Andries Gous was the standout performer, blasting an unbeaten 85 from 53 balls. He will again partner with wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo, who provides aggression at the top of the order. The middle order, with Karima Gore, Kevin Wickham, Fabian Allen, and skipper Imad Wasim, will aim to maintain the momentum.
Predicted XI:
Amir Jangoo (wk), Andries Gous, Karima Gore, Kevin Wickham, Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim (c), Shamar Springer, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Salman Irshad
Conditions and Match Outlook
The match will be played in Providence on Wednesday evening, where hot weather in the high 20s is expected and rain is unlikely. So far, neither of the two games at this venue has seen a team reach 170, suggesting that bowlers could again dictate proceedings. Any side posting 180 or more in the first innings should feel confident of victory.
With both of the last two CPL games won by the team batting first, the toss could play a decisive role, and both captains are likely to prefer setting a total.
Winning Prediction
This fixture brings together two sides capable of brilliance but guilty of inconsistency. The Amazon Warriors have history on their side, winning the last three head-to-head meetings. However, the Falcons’ batting form and their dramatic last-ball win give them momentum.
Prediction: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to win.
