The veteran spinner and Pakistani spinner Imran Tahir went back in time with a ton of five-wicket runs as the Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Saint Lucia Kings by a margin of four wickets in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Wednesday, September 9.
Tahir had one of the best bowling performances of CPL 2026, with figures of 5 for 17 as the Warriors dismantled Kings for 119 at Providence Stadium. His spell was complemented by a fantastic CPL debut by Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who made 3 for 13.
The Kings had initially made a reasonable start after choosing to bat and reached 51 for one during the powerplay. Kamil Pooran gave the game some early momentum but the Warriors’ spin attack soon changed the complexion of the innings.
Miraz made an immediate impact and removed John Campbell in his first over in the competition. Tahir took over, dismissing key batters including Kamil Pooran and Roston Chase.
The South African-born leg-spinner continued to strike regularly and the Kings’ promising start quickly turned into a collapse. Obus Pienaar offered some resistance with 35, but Romario Shepherd eventually removed him as the Kings were bowled out for 119.
Tahir Creates History
Tahir’s five-wicket haul was particularly significant given his age. At 47, the veteran spinner is still playing in T20 cricket and is one of the most experienced players at the top of the game.
His performance also proved how valuable experience is in a tournament in which younger players dominate. Tahir’s ability to read batters and exploit conditions was critical to the Warriors' spin combination that kept the Kings on their toes.
Tahir is off again and AGAIN!💨
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 9, 2026
A double strike for Imran Tahir!🇬🇾 x 🇱🇨#CPL26 #GAWvSLK #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #ElDorado pic.twitter.com/Px6ov04Njn
Warriors Survive Nervous Chase
Guyana was cautious in chasing 120 as they had suffered a heavy defeat in the previous match against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
The Warriors were only 23 for one in the powerplay and were trying to establish the innings slowly. The Kings fought back through Charith Asalanka and Maheesh Theekshana, who helped to remove Glenn Phillips and Shai Hope in two overs as well.
Roston Chase then dismissed another Warriors batter, leaving Guyana needing 48 runs from the final five overs.
Quentin Sampson performed a remarkable counterattack just when the Kings were on the verge of a comeback. The young batter struck Chase with two sixes and a boundary from three consecutive deliveries and the momentum turned around to the Warriors immediately.
Sampson was unbeaten with 37 from just 11 balls and took advantage of a late rally and led Guyana to victory.
The victory moved the Guyana Amazon Warriors back to the top of the CPL standings while the Saint Lucia Kings went through the preliminary round with eight points and were left to wait for other results to determine their playoff fate.
Tahir’s extraordinary spell and Sampson’s explosive finish meant the Warriors rebounded immediately and strengthened their position ahead of the playoffs.
