Spin attack sets up emphatic Guyana win

Mohammad Nabi’s four-wicket haul and Shai Hope’s unbeaten half-century gave Guyana Amazon Warriors a winning start to their CPL 2026 campaign, as they defeated Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets at Sabina Park on Thursday.

Asked to bat first, Jamaica Kingsmen struggled against Guyana’s varied spin attack and were bowled out for 117 in 19.4 overs. Khary Pierre struck early by removing Shayan Jahangir, while Shamar Joseph ended the Powerplay by dismissing Keacy Carty. The Kingsmen managed only 26 runs during the opening six overs.

Reeza Hendricks attempted to rebuild the innings and added 35 runs with Rovman Powell, but Imran Tahir removed both batters on either side of Hassan Khan’s dismissal. Nabi then took control of the lower middle order, including the key wicket of Andre Russell, who chipped a return catch back to the bowler.

Nabi finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 22, while Shamar Joseph took 2 for 22, Imran Tahir claimed 2 for 26 and Glenn Phillips added another wicket. In total, the Amazon Warriors’ spinners accounted for eight of the ten wickets to fall.

Hope guides chase after early setback

Guyana’s reply began poorly when debutant Mavendra Dindyal was dismissed for a golden duck. Phillips and Hope quickly restored control, however, putting together a brisk 42-run partnership. Phillips made 28 before Russell struck twice in the final Powerplay over, removing both Phillips and Shimron Hetmyer.

Hope remained composed, rotating the strike and attacking selectively as the chase progressed. He shared a 51-run stand with Nabi, who scored 19 with two fours before falling to Vitel Lawes.

The result was never seriously threatened. Hope reached his fifty and then sealed the contest in emphatic fashion, hitting Hassan Khan for six down the ground. Guyana Amazon Warriors finished on 118 for four in 14.1 overs, with 35 deliveries remaining.

Brief scores: Jamaica Kingsmen 117 all out in 19.4 overs (Reeza Hendricks 40; Mohammad Nabi 4-22, Shamar Joseph 2-22, Imran Tahir 2-26) lost to Guyana Amazon Warriors 118/4 in 14.1 overs (Shai Hope 56*, Glenn Phillips 28; Andre Russell 2-12) by six wickets.