CPL 2024 [WATCH]: Anrich Nortje delivers a thunderous ball to uproot Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s off-stump

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, defending champions of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), maintained their perfect start to the 2024 season with a resounding 40-run victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in Match 7 at Warner Park, Basseterre. This win marks their second consecutive triumph, solidifying their position at the top of the standings early in the tournament. The Warriors’ commanding performance, both with the bat and ball, underscored their intent to defend their title successfully.

Early setbacks and the resurgence

After opting to bat first, the Warriors faced immediate pressure as they lost key wickets in the initial overs. Kevin Sinclair and Shai Hope were dismissed within the powerplay, leaving the Warriors at a precarious position. However, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Shimron Hetmyer stepped up with a game-changing partnership that swung the momentum back in their favor. The duo added a remarkable 116 runs off just 47 balls, with Gurbaz playing an൲ aggressive role.

Anrich Nortje’s dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Anrich Nortje, the South African fast bowler, made a crucial breakthrough in the 14th over by dismissing the dangerous Gurbaz. Nortje delivered a full-length ball that Gurbaz attempted to slog across the line, but he failed to make contact, resulting in the ball crashing into the stumps. Gurbaz’s departure, after a scintillating 69 off 37 balls, temporarily halted the Warriors’ charge, but the foundation had already been laid for a massive total.

Here’s the video:

Nortje lights up the night sky a📖nd send Gurbaz packing with this magical moment 🪄 𝓡

— CPL T20 (@CPL)

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Hetmyer and lower-order power propel Guyana Amazon warriors to record total

Despite Gurbaz’s exit, Hetmyer continued his explosive innings, ensuring that the Warriors maintained their momentum. Hetmyer’s aggressive batting, combined with Keemo Paul‘s rapid 38 off 14 balls and Dwaine Pretorius‘ 13 from just 5 balls, powered the Warriors to an imposing total of 266/7. This score not only became the highest in CPL 2024 but also the second-highest in the history of the tournament, putting immense pressure on the Patriots’ bowlers and setting a formidable target.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ chase stumbles despite Andre Fletcher’s heroics

Andre Fletcher’s explosive 81 off 33 balls gave the Patriots a strong foundation, but the chase faltered after his dismissal by Gudakesh Motie in the 13th over. The Patriots struggled to maintain the required run rate, with wickets falling regularly. A brief rain delay offered a glimmer of hope, but Pretorius quickly ended their resistance, dismissing Mikyle Louis and sealing the Warriors’ win with 12 balls to spare. Imran Tahir’s game-changing double-wicket maiden and Motie’s crucial three-wicket haul, including Fletcher’s scalp, played a decisive role in the Patriots’ third consecutive defeat.

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