Moeen Ali, Player of the Match: I got a little bit lucky actually because obviously full toss, short ball got two big wickets, but it was doing the job for the team like I feel i have done all tournament, especially here in Guyana, amazing place to play cricket and the support I get is outstanding. I actually said to Imran I think he should let me open because I have been opening back home in domestic, and he agreed, the coaches agreed as well so it's something I am used to. I feel like my experience, we have so many power players, I can also play that and also knock it around a bit, win the game for my team...just haven't been scoring that many runs down the order, just play good shots, nice to open the batting...yeah just bat as much as I can. My role is to knock it around (talks about his role was to knock it around and leave the heavy-lifting to Hope and Gurbaz). I suggested I should open the batting (to captain) because I felt like it was best for the team and everywhere I go Guyanese people say I should open the batting
It was a great toss to win, as the dew became a huge issue in the second innings. Barbados Royals' bowling attack was no match to Amazon Warriors. They had hardly any genuine wicket-taking options and couldn't make any inroads with a lackluster and depleted spin attack . A total of 148 didn't look enough, given their bowling resources, and they failed to show up with bat or ball in this all-important Qualifier. Meanwhile, Warriors delivered an emphatically professional performance on the big stage, remaining unblemished in all departments of the game. They boasted a lot of star quality in their lineup, and having Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Moeen Ali at the top made life easier for them. Simmonds was the rare brightspot for Royals who bowled with nice control and took the wicket of Hope with a toe-crusher of a yorker, but no one else looked threatening; they appeared off from the word go, never really confident after putting up a paltry score. Rovman Powell looked bogged down and nothing really worked for him and problems compounded for him as he didn't have the quality resources to make a game of it. Warriors couldn't have asked for a better show and will head to the final with their confidence sky-high. Even without Shamar, they performed fantastically with their spin trio and two pacers
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Shai Hope broke the back of the chase with their swashbuckling style of play, stamping their authority in the powerplay and making life easier for Moeen Ali, who played his role perfectly. GAW got off to a flier with 72 runs in the first six overs and weren't challenged at all in their chase. Everything seems to be falling in place for reigning champions at the right time. We look forward to your company for the high-octane final on Sunday between Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings. For now, goodbye and goodnight from Rvel Zahid!
SD Hope b Simmonds 56 (52m 33b 6x4 2x6) SR: 169.69
END OF OVER:14 | 10 Runs | GAW: 147/1 (2 runs required from 36 balls, RR: 10.50, RRR: 0.33)
- Moeen Ali43 (34b)
- Shai Hope56 (32b)
- Obed McCoy2-0-19-0
- Ramon Simmonds3-0-24-0
Sowmya : "This is not just a win loading for GAW , they are making a statement! Seem strong title contenders !!! "
END OF OVER:13 | 7 Runs | GAW: 137/1 (12 runs required from 42 balls, RR: 10.53, RRR: 1.71)
- Shai Hope54 (29b)
- Moeen Ali36 (31b)
- Ramon Simmonds3-0-24-0
- Naveen-ul-Haq2-0-26-0
Odinlass: "Just like their counterparts in the IPL. Play well initially, go cold at the backend of the league stage, qualify for the playoffs by remaining in the top 4, make it through the eliminator and put up a sub-par performance in the qualifier."
END OF OVER:12 | 8 Runs | GAW: 130/1 (19 runs required from 48 balls, RR: 10.83, RRR: 2.37)
- Shai Hope49 (25b)
- Moeen Ali34 (29b)
- Naveen-ul-Haq2-0-26-0
- Maheesh Theekshana4-0-36-1