Mehidy Hasan Miraz produced a useful all-round display for Guyana Amazon Warriors, but his contribution could not prevent a six-wicket defeat against Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League.
The Bangladesh all-rounder has enjoyed an impressive start to his debut CPL campaign, particularly with the ball. After taking three wickets in his opening match for Guyana, Miraz followed that performance with a four-wicket haul in his second game and was named Player of the Match. His batting, however, had yet to make much of an impact, with scores of one and two in those appearances.
Against Barbados, there was a clearer glimpse of Miraz’s value as a genuine all-rounder. He scored 18 runs before returning to the attack to take two wickets. His innings included one four and one six, although he needed 24 deliveries to reach his score. Given the circumstances, however, his cautious approach was understandable.
Guyana had been reduced to 15 for three when Miraz walked in at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown after Barbados won the toss and opted to field. With wickets falling quickly around him, he attempted to stabilise the innings rather than take excessive risks.
The recovery was limited. Guyana were eventually bowled out for only 99 in 18.1 overs. Phillips top-scored with 24, while Shepherd contributed 22 and Miraz added 18. Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar was particularly effective, taking three wickets for 17 runs. Layne also claimed three wickets, conceding just 14 runs.
Barbados faced a modest target and completed the chase with considerable time to spare. They reached 100 for four in 14.5 overs, leaving 31 deliveries unused. King remained unbeaten on 44, while DeCaire made 32, ensuring that the Tridents did not allow the required run rate to become a serious concern.
Miraz was once again among Guyana’s most effective bowlers. He dismissed Quinton de Kock by bowling him and later had Sadrach DeCaire caught by Ronaldo Alimohammed. His two wickets came at a cost of 25 runs, giving him a contribution in both innings despite Guyana’s inability to defend their low total.
The defeat, however, does not alter Guyana’s position in the competition. They had already secured a place in the playoffs before the final league-stage fixture, meaning the result against Barbados carried little consequence for their qualification prospects.
Attention now turns to the first qualifier. Guyana are scheduled to face Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Friday morning, 18 September, Bangladesh time. The match will be far more significant, with a place in the final at stake.
For Miraz, the match against Barbados offered another encouraging sign during his first CPL season. His early performances have established him as an important bowling option for Guyana, while his latest 18 runs showed that he can also provide resistance with the bat when his side is under pressure.
Guyana will now hope that their key players can deliver when the tournament moves into its decisive phase. For Miraz in particular, maintaining his bowling form while adding greater impact with the bat could prove valuable as the Warriors enter the playoff stage.
