Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz produced an encouraging all-round performance for Guyana Amazon Warriors, but his efforts were not enough to prevent a six-wicket defeat against Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League.
Miraz has made an impressive start to his debut CPL campaign, particularly with the ball. After taking three wickets in his opening match for Guyana, he followed that up with a four-wicket haul in his second appearance and was named Player of the Match. His contribution with the bat had been limited in those two games, however, with scores of just one and two.
This time, the Bangladesh international made an impact in both departments. He scored 18 runs from 24 deliveries, hitting one four and one six, before returning to take two wickets with the ball. Although his innings was not particularly fast by Twenty20 standards, Miraz walked in at a difficult moment when Guyana were already struggling at 15 for three and concentrated on helping his side recover.
The recovery never fully materialised.
Playing at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Guyana were sent in to bat after losing the toss and were bowled out for only 99 in 18.1 overs. Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar was central to Barbados’ control of the innings, claiming three wickets for 17 runs. Layne also took three wickets, conceding just 14 runs.
Guyana’s batting was led by Phillips, who made 24, while Shepherd contributed 22. Miraz added 18 after coming to the crease following the early collapse. He attempted to steady the innings rather than take unnecessary risks, but Guyana could not build a competitive total.
Barbados had little difficulty chasing the modest target. They reached 100 for four in only 14.5 overs, leaving 31 deliveries unused. King remained unbeaten on 44, while Sadrach DeCaire scored 32 to guide the Tridents comfortably across the line.
Miraz was again among Guyana’s leading performers with the ball. He first dismissed Quinton de Kock by bowling him, before having DeCaire caught by Ronaldo Alimohammed. His final figures were two wickets for 25 runs, giving him a notable contribution in both innings.
Despite the defeat, Guyana’s position in the tournament was unaffected. They had already secured their place in the playoffs, meaning the match against Barbados was effectively a final league-stage fixture with little at stake in terms of qualification.
The focus now shifts to the first qualifier, where Guyana will face Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Friday morning, 18 September, Bangladesh time. The match will carry considerably greater significance, with Guyana looking to turn their strong league-stage campaign into a place in the final.
For Miraz, the latest performance adds another positive chapter to his first CPL season. His early success with the ball has already established him as an important part of Guyana’s campaign, while his 18 runs against Barbados showed that he can also contribute with the bat when his team needs him. With the knockout stage approaching, Guyana will hope the Bangladesh all-rounder’s growing influence continues when the stakes become much higher.