DAILY STAR: With just five group-stage matches left in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, the pressure is mounting on every team to secure vital points. Only the top four sides advance to the play-offs, meaning every contest now carries added weight.
As things stand, Saint Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders share the top spot with 12 points from nine games, while Barbados Royals languish at the bottom, managing just one win in seven. For both Guyana Amazon Warriors and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, a win here would go a long way toward sealing a playoff berth—though they cannot afford to ignore the challenge of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, who sit just two points behind the Warriors.
Guyana Amazon Warriors: Looking for Consistency
Guyana Amazon Warriors suffered a narrow setback in their last outing, losing by five runs to the Patriots in Match 25. Despite the defeat, their bowling attack remains a strong point. Gudakesh Motie and Hassan Khan both claimed two wickets apiece, while veteran Imran Tahir delivered another economical spell. Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a key dismissal, underlining the depth of their attack.
The bigger concern lies with the batting unit. Openers Ben McDermott and Moeen Ali have yet to fire consistently, leaving much of the responsibility on Shai Hope, who has been a stabilizing force at No. 3. With players like Shimron Hetmyer and all-rounders Keemo Paul and Dwaine Pretorius in the middle order, the Warriors have the talent but need greater cohesion to post 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: Riding Momentum
The Falcons come into this fixture on the back of a thrilling last-ball victory against bottom-placed Barbados Royals. Chasing 188, they reached their target with four wickets in hand, thanks largely to a brilliant unbeaten 85 off 53 balls from opener Andries Gous. His partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo, who provides aggression at the top, will be central once again.
However, their bowling left plenty to be desired in that match. The attack managed only four wickets, with Salman Irshad and Obed McCoy striking once each. Senior players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim, and Jayden Seales will be expected to step up, especially in conditions that have generally favored bowlers in Providence.
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 Strategy
The match will be played in Providence, where both previous games this season have failed to produce totals beyond 170. Warm evening conditions in the high 20s are expected, with almost no chance of rain. On this surface, any first-innings score above 180 should prove difficult to chase.
Recent CPL history favors teams batting first, with the last two matches both won by sides setting a target. Both captains are therefore likely to prefer batting first, banking on scoreboard pressure in a low-scoring venue.
Prediction: Falcons to Edge It
While Guyana Amazon Warriors have the advantage in recent head-to-head meetings—winning the last three encounters—their inconsistent batting remains a concern. The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, buoyed by their dramatic win and with Gous in sparkling form, appear slightly better placed.
Winning Prediction: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to win
This contest promises to be close, but the Falcons’ batting momentum and depth in all-round options could give them the edge in a must-win clash.
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Team needs a shake up. Gore needs a dropping but the mentor who is also Antiguan is showing his bias.
I’ll be watching this game with keen interest. A win would be a step further to the play-offs. This is the best Antiguan team since the formation of this CPLT20 tournament.
GO FALCONS GO … 🦅