Mehidy Hasan Miraz has enjoyed a sensational introduction to the Caribbean Premier League, making an immediate impact with the ball for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Handed his long-awaited debut appearance in the tournament, the talented Bangladesh all-rounder delivered a masterclass in slow bowling against the Saint Lucia Kings. He dismantled the opposition batting lineup by claiming three crucial wickets while conceding a miserly thirteen runs across his allotted four overs, anchoring a stellar bowling display that ultimately paved the way for another comprehensive victory.
While his contributions with the bat proved modest—falling for just one run from four deliveries after being promoted to number five—his phenomenal bowling figures more than compensated for the brief hiccup. Miraz made an instant breakthrough in his opening over, enticing John Campbell down the track to loft an off-spin delivery into the hands of the long-on fielder. He then struck twice in a brilliant third over, removing Khemraj Harbhassan and Charith Asalanka in quick succession. By dotting down thirteen deliveries, he kept a vice-like grip on the opposition run rate.
The collective brilliance of the bowling attack was spearheaded by evergreen veteran Imran Tahir. At forty-seven years of age, the legendary leg-spinner produced the finest bowling figures of his illustrious Twenty20 career, claiming five wickets for a mere seventeen runs. This monumental performance marked his sixth five-wicket haul in the format, lifting him to second place globally for the most five-fors in Twenty20 history, just behind David Wiese’s record of seven. Supported by this twin spin assault, Guyana restricted Saint Lucia to a manageable total despite a shaky start to their run chase.
Opening batsman Glenn Phillips anchored the early response with a gritty thirty-seven, but the fixture was decisively turned on its head by a breathtaking cameo from Quinton Sampson. Smashing an unbeaten thirty-seven from only eleven balls—featuring a solitary boundary and five massive sixes—Sampson dragged his side over the finishing line with four wickets and plenty of breathing room to spare. This four-wicket triumph marks Guyana’s seventh victory from eight outings, cementing their position at the summit of the league table with fourteen points.
Miraz will have an immediate opportunity to build upon this dream start when the Amazon Warriors lock horns with the Trinbago Knight Riders on 11 September. Ironically, the fixture pits the rising star against his former franchise, a side where he previously secured a contract but was denied a single appearance on the pitch. Having finally proven his immense pedigree on the Caribbean stage, the versatile all-rounder stands poised to inflict further damage against his former employers.