Barbados Royals Dominate Guyana Amazon Warriors with 32-Run Victory in CPL Match

The Barbados Royals delivered a commanding performance at Kensington Oval on Saturday night, securing a 32-run victory over defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors.

This emphatic win propelled the Royals to the top of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) standings, overtaking their opponents in the process.

The foundation of this triumph was laid by Quinton de Kock, whose brilliant knock of 115 from 68 balls lit up the Oval and had the sold-out crowd in raptures. There was a groundswell of adulation for his innings as the sea of bright pink shirts swooned at his array of exquisite strokes, which were pivotal in the Royals posting an imposing total of 205-6.

The South African wicketkeeper-batsman’s century, brought up in 60 balls, made him the top run-scorer in the competition so far, with 308 runs at an impressive average of 77. It also set a new record for the highest-ever score by a Barbados Royals player, surpassing Jonathan Carter’s 111 not out in 2014.

The Royals’ aggressive batting was backed by a disciplined bowling display, led by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. His three wickets proved crucial in consigning the visitors to their first defeat of the season, as the previously unbeaten Amazon Warriors were restricted to 173-5.

Reflecting on his innings, de Kock acknowledged the early challenges he faced: “It just happened. My partner took control of the powerplay. I found it tough, he didn’t. He took the pressure off me.” His partner, Kadeem Alleyne, who replaced Rahkeem Cornwall in the line-up, played an explosive cameo, scoring 22 off just 9 balls. His two towering sixes, including one off Moeen Ali’s debut CPL over, gave the Royals the early momentum they needed.

Shamar Joseph and Dwaine Pretorius led the Warriors’ bowling attack, but they had little answer to de Kock’s onslaught. Even a painful blow to the chest region from Joseph couldn’t halt the South African, who reached his fifty in 34 balls before accelerating to his century.

Jason Holder added a final flourish to the innings, smashing three consecutive sixes off Keemo Paul in the penultimate over. The all-rounder took that confidence into the second innings when he dismissed Warriors’ opener Azam Khan with his first ball, setting the tone for the Royals’ defence.

The Amazon Warriors struggled from the start in their chase. Maharaj’s clever variations stifled their progress, and when Tim Robinson was stumped trying to lift the scoring rate, the pressure mounted. Shimron Hetmyer briefly revived their hopes, hitting consecutive sixes off Maharaj, but rain interrupted his momentum. After the resumption, Hetmyer managed another six before falling to Maharaj, his aggressive approach proving his downfall.