Miraz joined Guyana as a replacement for Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Although previously drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders in a former CPL edition, he had remained on the bench without making a single appearance. Offered a place in the starting eleven this time, the Bangladeshi cricketer made an immediate impact to justify his selection.

Taking the ball in the powerplay, Miraz struck in his very first over when John Campbell misjudged an off-spin delivery, stepping out to loft the ball straight into the hands of the long-on fielder. He doubled down on his momentum during his third over, dismissing Kemol Savory and Charith Asalanka in quick succession. Across his four overs, Miraz delivered 13 dot balls, relentless in his pressure against the Saint Lucia Kings.

While his bowling proved decisive, Miraz had a brief outing with the bat. Promoted to number five in the order, he managed just one run off four balls before sweeping Roston Chase straight into the hands of Asalanka at square leg.

It was player-of-the-match Imran Tahir who anchored Guyana’s bowling display. At 47 years of age, the veteran leg-spinner registered career-best T20 figures, claiming five wickets for 17 runs. This marked Tahir’s sixth five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, placing him second on the all-time list behind David Wiese, who holds seven.

Guyana’s run-chase got off to a shaky start despite a steady 37 runs from opener Glenn Phillips. The match was ultimately decided by Quinton Sampson, who played a blistering, unbeaten knock of 37 off just 11 balls, hitting one boundary and five towering sixes to seal a four-wicket victory. The win marks Guyana’s seventh victory in eight matches, cementing their position at the top of the CPL standings with 14 points. Miraz will next feature against his former side, Trinbago Knight Riders, on 11 September.