High-stakes rematch expected at Providence as Warriors look to finals

Sep 17, 2025 Sports

2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Qualifier 1…

High-stakes rematch expected at Providence as Warriors look to finals

Shimron Hetmyer has crossed the half century mark a few times this season. (Getty Images)

By Clifton Ross

Kaieteur Sports – Tonight’s qualifier at the Guyana National Stadium could be the Amazon Warriors ticket to this year’s finals or a revolving door of hurdles which will be known following one of the biggest rematches of the season, versus the number one team; St. Lucia Kings.

Quentin Sampson with more than a 100 runs in two games, adds to the mystery of what could have been if chances in the XI as well as up the batting order was presented much earlier in the tournament.

Sampson will be the key at the top of the order as he could likely look to make it 3-out–of-3 with regard to adding to his scores of 76 and 50, as Warriors somehow managed to cling to the notion that an out-of-form opener Ben McDermott could somehow turn things around during this crunch game.

As such, Shimron Hetmyer who looked a different animal following his match-winning 68 in the last game should be promoted up the order alongside Sampson. Shai Hope batting 3 will add stability while Shamarh Brooks should be given one more shot after being flung into the XI during the tight stages of the season.

With 0-38 in 3 overs and just 7 runs the last time Hassan Khan faced the Kings, a possible swap for a more versatile Kevlon Anderson or Keemo Paul might be the best option; with Romario Shepherd having the continued responsibility as one of the main pinch-hitters/finishers.

Warriors could also tinker with promoting Dwaine Pretorius to the opener spot, which could easily throw off a few tactics from the opposition. His match-winning last ball six a few days ago proved testimony to his ability at showing no remorse during high-pressure situations or games and more time in the middle could prove to be beneficial for the Warriors.

Although Moeen Ali has not been the batting revelation the Warriors would have wanted this season, his experience internationally coupled with his exceptional spin bowling will play a huge role tonight, should he click with the bat.

Roston Chase has been excellent with bat and ball in this campaign. (Getty Images)

Windies skipper Roston Chase had a superb game the last time the two sides met, scoring an unbeaten 90 and bagging 3-30, despite the 2 wicket loss. With Ackeem Auguste showing his class with a half-century and the possible threats of openers Johnson Charles and Tim Seifert alongside the powerhouse Aussie Tim David looming, the Warriors will need to be mindful of some retribution.

Power-hitter Aaron Jones will have a big role to play given his reputation while skipper David Wiese will be on a revenge tour; having felt the brunt of giving away the game in the last over when he was nailed for a maximum by his fellow South African, Pretorius.

The tale of the tapes in this department could be the difference-maker, with spin being the likely weapon of choice being utilized by both units. Imran Tahir will have a huge role as one of the leading wicket-takers this season.

However, Gudakesh Motie 5-21 in the last game, backed by Ali’s ability to miser runs and claim wickets, the former champs could likely feel the need to focus more getting the most out of their 12 overs of front-line spin.

Meanwhile the likes of speedsters Pretorius, Shepherd and Shamar Joseph will provide the hostility needed to back their three-headed counterparts in the spin branch.

With majority of the emphasis being placed on spin, Chase, Khary Pierre and South African leggy Tabriz Shamshi, could cancel out the Warriors big 3 spinners and could easily look to correct any errors against the Warriors batsmen come tonight; with Captain Wiese having even more responsibility as the main strike pacer for his team.

Both teams are tied on 12 points each with either team looking to rocket themselves into the finals with arguably the most high-octane game set to bowl off from 19:00h tonight.

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Amazon Warriors, CPL, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, St. Lucia Kings

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