The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) always delivers high-voltage cricketing action, and the clash between Barbados Royals vs Guyana Amazon Warriors in September 2025 was no different. Played at the Providence Stadium, Guyana, this encounter was important for both sides — the Warriors were looking to seal their place in the top two, while the Royals were desperate to end their campaign on a positive note.
In the end, the Guyana Amazon Warriors completely outplayed the Royals, winning by 64 runs. The result secured them a top-two finish in the points table, while the Royals’ season ended on a disappointing note at the bottom of the table.
Match Summary
- Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
- Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 64 runs
- Scores:
- Warriors – 189/6 (20 overs)
- Royals – 125 all out (18.2 overs)
The Warriors dominated both with bat and ball, showcasing why they have been one of the most consistent teams in CPL 2025.
Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Batting Brilliance
Batting first, the Warriors showed intent right from the start.
- Quentin Sampson provided a solid foundation at the top with a steady half-century. His innings ensured the team didn’t lose early wickets and could build momentum later.
- Shimron Hetmyer was the star of the show with a blazing 68 off just 39 balls. His aggressive stroke play lit up the stadium and shifted the pressure completely onto the Royals.
- Shai Hope chipped in with a useful 31, while Romario Shepherd provided the finishing touch with some late-order fireworks.
Thanks to this balanced effort, the Warriors reached 189/6, a score that always looked challenging on the Providence pitch.
Royals’ Struggle with the Bat
Chasing 190 was never going to be easy, especially against a well-balanced bowling attack. The Royals crumbled under pressure.
- Early breakthroughs from Shamar Joseph and Dwaine Pretorius broke their momentum.
- The big moment came when Joseph bowled Rassie van der Dussen, sending the Royals’ batting hopes crashing.
- Only Kofi James, with a fighting 26, tried to resist, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.
The Royals were eventually bowled out for just 125 in 18.2 overs, falling short by a massive margin.
Bowling Heroes for the Warriors
If Hetmyer stole the spotlight with the bat, it was Gudakesh Motie who stole it with the ball.
- Motie produced a career-best 5/21, spinning a web around the Royals’ batters.
- His variations, accuracy, and control proved too much to handle, especially on a surface that was beginning to assist spin.
- Joseph and Pretorius’s early wickets set the stage, and Motie made sure there was no coming back for the Royals.
This combination of pace up front and spin in the middle overs made the Warriors look like the complete package.
Key Turning Points
- Hetmyer’s Power-Packed Innings: His 68 off 39 balls gave Warriors a commanding total.
- Joseph’s Dismissal of van der Dussen: Royals’ chase lost momentum right there.
- Motie’s Five-Wicket Haul: Once Motie came into the attack, the Royals had no answers.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Guyana Amazon Warriors
- With this win, the Warriors secured a top-two finish, which means they go into Qualifier 1 of the playoffs.
- A top-two finish is huge in CPL, because it gives the team two chances to make the final. Even if they lose in Qualifier 1, they get another shot in Qualifier 2.
- The Warriors’ combination of strong top-order batting and effective spin bowling makes them serious title contenders.
For Barbados Royals
- The Royals’ campaign ended in disappointment as they finished at the bottom of the table.
- Inconsistency in batting, frequent fielding errors, and lack of partnerships hurt them throughout the season.
- The team management now has to go back to the drawing board, rethink strategies, and maybe look at new combinations for next year.
Lessons from the Match
Spin is a Game-Changer
Gudakesh Motie’s five-wicket haul proved how important spin bowlers are in Caribbean conditions. Teams that manage their spinners well will always have an edge.
Strong Starts Matter
The Warriors built their innings smartly — steady start, acceleration in the middle, and fireworks at the end. This is the template Royals failed to follow.
Composure Under Pressure
Chasing a big total requires partnerships and calm heads. The Royals lost too many wickets in the Power Play and never recovered.
CPL 2025: The Bigger Picture
- The playoffs are heating up, and with this victory, the Warriors look confident and dangerous.
- Their next big test will be Qualifier 1, where they’ll aim to directly secure a place in the CPL 2025 Final.
- For the Royals, this season will be remembered as a missed opportunity. Their challenge now will be to rebuild and come back stronger in CPL 2026.
Conclusion
The Barbados Royals vs Guyana Amazon Warriors clash was a one-sided affair, but it highlighted why the Warriors are among the most dangerous sides this season. Hetmyer’s explosive batting and Motie’s magical spin were the highlights of a commanding win that secured their place at the top of the table.
For the Royals, it was yet another reminder of the work they need to do before the next season. Cricket fans, meanwhile, now turn their eyes to the playoffs, where the Warriors will be aiming to convert this momentum into a championship victory.