Imran Tahir, the Guyana Amazon Warriors captain, etched his name in the history books by becoming the first overseas player to claim 100 wickets in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Tahir, now 45 and the oldest player in the tournament, reached this milestone during his team’s crucial win against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on September 21, 2024, in Guyana.
In his seventh season with the Warriors and second as their captain, Tahir took his landmark wicket when he had Hassan Khan caught by Gudakesh Motie at the midwicket boundary. This crucial dismissal helped the Warriors defend a modest total of 135, eventually bowling out the Falcons for 108 and sealing their place in the playoffs.
Tahir, celebrating his achievement, reflected on the pivotal moment in the game. “I think Motie took a really good catch. Getting Hassan, who plays spin well, at that point was crucial. For me, that was the turning point of the game,” Tahir said after the match. He also performed his trademark celebratory sprint, complete with a mimic of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuuu’ celebration.
Tahir’s Captaincy and Legacy in the CPL
Tahir’s appointment as captain at the age of 44 was met with skepticism last season, but he silenced critics by leading the Amazon Warriors to their first-ever CPL title. Despite facing a mid-season injury this year, Tahir returned to guide the team into the playoffs again, proving his leadership qualities.
In his post-match interview, Tahir expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in Guyana and acknowledged the personal significance of his 100th CPL wicket. “It’s a personal achievement, but my focus is on the team. I hope my performances help the team, and I’m very pleased to reach this milestone,” Tahir said.
Moeen Ali’s Crucial Knock
Moeen Ali also played a key role in Amazon Warriors’ victory with a composed 42 off 33 balls. Ali’s calculated aggression against left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, where he struck 26 runs in one over, helped the Warriors recover from 85 for 5 to post a defendable total of 135 for 7.
Tahir praised Ali’s performance, calling it a match-defining effort. “One over changed the game. Moeen capitalized on his chances and played brilliantly,” Tahir said.
The Providence Fortress
The Amazon Warriors’ dominance at the Providence Stadium continued, with Tahir crediting the home crowd for their unwavering support. “Playing here in Guyana is special. The support we get is incredible, and it’s a big part of our success,” Tahir noted, attributing their impressive win-loss ratio at the venue to the passionate fans.
Falcons’ Season Review
For Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, this marked the end of a disappointing campaign. Despite securing two wins over the powerful Trinbago Knight Riders, they were unable to make the playoffs. Captain Chris Green, who took over after Brandon King’s injury, acknowledged the team’s inconsistent performances but highlighted the emergence of young talent, including 17-year-old Jewel Andrew.
Reflecting on the season, Green said, “We had glimpses of what we could do but also had moments where we were really poor. Our fielding and lack of big runs let us down, but players like Justin Greaves, Shamar Springer, and Jewel Andrew give us hope for the future.”
As the Amazon Warriors march into the playoffs, Tahir will be looking to add more wickets to his record and lead his team to another CPL title.
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