![Saim Ayub](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/mazaplay/media/post_banners/D7YorwXdi6ZjGLyZPkdJ.png)
Saim Ayub (Source: Twitter)
In the 19th match of the ongoing Caribbean Premier League 2023, the Guyana Amazon Warriors beat the Trinbago Knight Riders by six wickets. Riding on half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Shai Hope, Guyana chased the target of 173 runs. Earlier, they had restricted Trinbago to 172/3 in 20 overs with the help of Odean Smith's amazing bowling performance.
Chasing a decent total of 173, Guyana got off to a shaky start as they lost opener Chandrapaul Hemraj for just 10 runs. After his departure, Saim Ayub and Shai Hope added 93 runs for the second wicket. In his innings, Ayub scored 62 runs off 43 balls with the help of four fours and four sixes. Meanwhile, Hope, in his innings, scored 51 runs off 40 balls with the help of three fours and three sixes.
Here is the video:
The chase is on… @SaimAyub7 hits 3 BIG sixes 🇬🇾 #CPL23 #TKRvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/87bXwAYLhk
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 6, 2023
In the end, wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan and Shimron Hetmyer played quick cameos to win the game. In his innings, Azam scored 29 runs off 14 balls, while Hetmyer scored 13 runs off 7 balls. For Trinidad, Ali Khan and Andre Russell clinched two wickets each, while other bowlers failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
Trinbago failed to capitalise on the opportunity against Guyana
Earlier, after winning the toss, Guyana skipper Imran Tahir opted to bowl first. His decision went well with the team, as Trinbago lost two wickets for just 34 runs in the powerplay. Mark Deyal was dismissed by Romario Shepherd for just one run. Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran was dismissed by Keemo Paul after scoring 18 runs off 15 balls with the help of a boundary and a six.
After their departure, Irish wicketkeeper-batters Lorcan Tucker and Akeal Hossain added 38 runs for the fourth wicket. Tucker, in his inning, scored 38 runs off 25 balls with the help of five fours. On the other hand, Hossain, in his innings, scored an unbeaten 44 runs off 35 balls with the help of two fours and three sixes. With their batting performances, the Trinbago Knight Riders posted 172/8 in 20 overs.
However, they failed to defend the target due to poor bowling and fielding performances. Apart from Russell and Ali Khan, not a single bowler looked in rhythm, which eventually failed them to win the game. With this victory, the Guyana Amazon Warriors are now table-toppers with nine points in five games.