GUY VS BR MATCH 23

Right then! That is all we have from this thrilling encounter. The action in the 11th edition of the Caribbean Premier League continues on 11th September as Trinbago Knight Riders take on Saint Lucia Kings in match number 24 as we have the last game of the Trinidad leg played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The first ball will be bowled at 5.30 am IST (12 am GMT) but you can join us for the build-up well in advance. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Imran Tahir, the captain of Guyana Amazon Warriors says that he feels delighted for Gudakesh Motie and the way he bowled the final over would give him a lot of confidence going ahead in his career. Adds that Saim Ayub has been fantastic for them and the team management knows that the more he spends time on the crease the better it is for him and the team. Mentions that his being at the club for a longer time than most has helped his decision making but it is up to the players to act on the advice passed over to them. Also mentions that the run out of Rovman Powell was key and outstanding for them as that changed the game completely. Closes by saying that it is an honour to lead Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Rovman Powell, the skipper of Barbados Royals says the calculation was simple in the last over as one just needs to take 2 off the first 2 and the equation gets simple but they failed to do so. Adds that it was evident that bowling wasn't that easy on this pitch and they batted well but they must keep improving every time. Mentions that this was the best they have bowled in recent times and that too with so many fielders inside the circle so the credit must go to the pacers. Ends by saying that he did not expect Junior Sinclair this much inside the circle but he fielded well and such moments define the course of a game.

Saim Ayub is the Player of the Match for his half-century in the first inning. He says that he has done nothing special in the last few games as he always keeps it simple and tries to stay calm but the good thing is all that is clicking now. Adds that on a surface like this, a slow start doesn't matter much as one can always score big once settled. Mentions that he is enjoying his time in the Caribbean and would be looking to continue the good work. Informs that he would like to give this Man of the Match award to Gudakesh Motie as he did the most difficult part of defending 6 in the last over.

Time for the presentations...

Guyana Amazon Warriors decided to go with Gudakesh Motie as an opener but the ploy did not work in their favour. Half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Shai Hope helped them get off to a good start but five wickets in the last two overs seemed to have derailed their effort. Carlos Brathwaite claimed a four-wicket haul taking three wickets in the penultimate over of the game while Jason Holder and Obed McCoy chipped in with two each. It looked like they had managed to restrict their opponents to an achievable target. The batters looked to be well on course but seemed to choke at the last moment.

Barbados Royals did not get off to a great start in the run chase as they lost both their openers on a cheap score but they looked to stay abreast with the required run rate. Contributions from Laurie Evans, Alick Athanaze, and Rovman Powell kept them in the hunt but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Justin Greaves and Carlos Brathwaite seemed to get their side over the finish line but they were unable to add the finishing touches as they fell short by a whisker. Dwaine Pretorius claimed two wickets but Gudakesh Motie was the hero with the ball as he defended 6 runs in the last over by taking two crucial scalps. Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, and Obed McCoy chipped in with one wicket each to contribute towards the win.

What a nail-biter we have witnessed here! Guyana Amazon Warriors have held their nerves and maintained their unbeaten run with a narrow 3-run win to go top of the table! Barbados Royals are now staring at a certain elimination having suffered their fifth loss of the campaign. They will be really disappointed having come so close to sealing a win but falling short at the final hurdle. They will be hoping to finish the tournament well and bow out on a positive note.

OUT! IT IS ALL OVER AS GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS HAVE WON IT BY 3 RUNS. Tossed up outside off, Justin Greaves swings wild and hard looking to clear the fence on the off side but gets a leading edge towards Odean Smith at short third. Odean Smith makes no mistake and collects this well. Gudakesh Motie take a bow.

Full and wide outside off, Justin Greaves moves to his leg and looks to play the lofted drive but misses out. Crucial dot delivery as 4 needed off the last delivery now.

Fuller one on off, Roelof van der Merwe smashes this towards long on for a single. 4 needed off 2 deliveries now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Worrying time for the Royals. Short of a length in middle, Carlos Brathwaite hops back and pulls this but doesn't get the desired connection as the ball lands in the bucket hands of Keemo Paul right at the fence at deep mid-wicket.

Leg bye.Short of a length sliding down leg, Justin Greaves misses the slog sweep as the ball clatters into the pads deflecting it towards short third man for a single.

Fuller one right in the block hole, Justin Greaves looks to slog but misses out managing to block this one.

FOUR! Full toss on the pads, Carlos Brathwaite flicks this towards deep square leg region for a boundary. A pressure reliever as Barbados Royals needs 6 off the last over.

Short-pitched delivery in middle, Carlos Brathwaite smashes this towards long on for a couple.

FOUR! Big Ricky smashes this away for four. Fuller one on off, Carlos Brathwaite leans back and lofts this over extra-cover for a boundary.