Amazon Warriors defend GSL crown after historic low-score thriller

PROVIDENCE - Guyana Amazon Warriors produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds in franchise T20 history as they defended a modest total of just 85 to defeat San Francisco Unicorns by six runs and retain the Global Super League (GSL) title in a nail-biting final.

Led by veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir, the Amazon Warriors displayed extraordinary resilience to secure their second consecutive GSL crown, becoming the first team to successfully defend such a low total in a T20 tournament final. After electing to bat, Guyana endured a disastrous collapse, slumping to 29-8 inside nine overs against a disciplined Unicorns bowling attack.

Australian pacer Peter Siddle and leg-spinner Anirudh Immanuel tore through the batting line-up, leaving the defending champions on the brink of an embarrassing defeat. However, Matthew Forde and Dwaine Pretorius rescued the innings with a courageous 41-run ninth-wicket partnership. Forde top-scored with a fighting 28 off 23 balls, while Pretorius contributed a patient 17, lifting the hosts to 85 all out in 18.5 overs.

Chasing only 86, San Francisco looked comfortably placed at 53-3, but the match turned dramatically as Guyana’s experienced bowling attack staged a sensational fightback. Pretorius claimed three wickets, while Mohammad Nabi and captain Imran Tahir struck crucial blows to trigger an astonishing collapse that reduced the Unicorns to 58-8. Oliver Peake’s composed 31 briefly kept the chase alive, while Peter Siddle’s late six raised hopes of an unlikely finish. But the final act belonged to Shimron Hetmyer, whose brilliant direct-hit run-out of Callum Stow sealed a famous six-run victory and sparked jubilant celebrations among the home supporters. Pretorius was deservedly named player of the match for his decisive all-round contribution, while Tahir once again proved that experience remains invaluable in the shortest format. The unforgettable triumph not only secured back-to-back Global Super League titles for Guyana Amazon Warriors but also entered the record books as one of the greatest low-score defences ever witnessed in T20 cricket.

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