Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz produced another compelling individual performance with the ball in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), though his efforts were insufficient to save Guyana Amazon Warriors from a humbling six-wicket defeat to Barbados Royals. A severe top-order collapse saw Guyana bundled out for a paltry 99, a target Barbados overhauled with relative ease.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Guyana suffered an immediate crisis, slumping to 15 for 3 in under three overs. Miraz joined Glenn Phillips at the crease to initiate a rebuilding job, but the pair managed only 23 runs together before Phillips was dismissed for 24. Remarkably, Phillips’ modest tally proved to be the top score of Guyana’s innings, with no batter managing to reach 25.
The middle order crumbled under pressure as runs dried up. A late 31-run partnership for the final wicket between Romario Shepherd and Imran Tahir provided the only sustained resistance. Shepherd was the last man out for 22 as Guyana folded in 18.1 overs. AM Ghazanfar and Johann Layne were the chief instigators of the collapse, taking three wickets each for Barbados.
Defending a modest total of 100, Guyana found a glimmer of hope when Barbados lost three early wickets for 36 runs. Miraz spearheaded the fightback, breaking through during the final over of the powerplay by shattering the off-stump of South African star Quinton de Kock. He struck again in the 12th over to dismiss Shadrack Descarte for 32, finishing with notable figures of 2 for 25.
However, Brandon King anchored the chase calmly, remaining unbeaten on 44 to guide Barbados to 100 for 4 in 14.5 overs.
Despite the loss, Miraz’s personal campaign remains stellar, having taken nine wickets across three matches to solidify his place as one of the tournament’s standout bowlers. The defeat serves as a timely wake-up call for Guyana ahead of their crucial first qualifier against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on 17 September. With a direct spot in the final on the line, Guyana must address their batting frailties quickly, as relying solely on Miraz’s bowling form may not be enough to carry them through the knockout stage.