Imran Tahir’s Five-Wicket Haul and Quentin Sampson’s Six-Hitting Seal Top Spot for Guyana Amazon Warriors

Imran Tahir produced a sensational five-wicket haul before Quentin Sampson smashed an unbeaten 37 off just 11 balls as Guyana Amazon Warriors defeated St Lucia Kings in a thrilling low-scoring CPL 2026 encounter.

Guyana Amazon Warriors secured their place at the top of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 standings after defeating St Lucia Kings by five wickets in a dramatic low-scoring contest in Providence.

Veteran spinner Imran Tahir turned back the clock with a superb five-wicket haul, while Quentin Sampson provided a stunning finish with the bat to complete the chase and hand the Kings their third consecutive defeat.

The victory lifted Amazon Warriors to 14 points, ensuring they will finish the league stage at the top of the table, at least one point clear of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. Guyana still have two league matches remaining against Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents.

Tahir Dismantles Kings' Lower Order

After being asked to bat first, St Lucia Kings made a promising start, reaching 51 for 1 during the powerplay. However, Guyana's bowlers quickly seized control.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, making his CPL debut, struck in his first over before Tahir dismissed the dangerous Kamil Pooran for 43 off 35 balls. The veteran legspinner struck again with his very next delivery, trapping Kings captain Roston Chase lbw for just one.

The Kings collapsed from 64 for 4 to 72 for 6 in quick time. Mehidy removed Kemol Savory and Charith Asalanka in the 11th over before Tahir returned to clean up the tail.

McKenny Clarke and Matthew Forde were bowled for ducks in the space of three deliveries, while Joshua Bishop was deceived by a wrong'un and trapped lbw.

The final wicket completed Tahir's fifth five-wicket haul in T20 cricket and his second in the CPL. He finished with outstanding figures of 5 wickets, while Mehidy claimed three as the pair combined for 8 for 30 and bowled 28 dot balls.

The Kings were eventually dismissed for just 119.

Amazon Warriors Struggle in the Chase

Chasing 120, Guyana Amazon Warriors endured a difficult start. Their openers managed only 12 runs from the first three overs before Chase broke the partnership.

The hosts crawled to 23 for 1 at the end of the powerplay and struggled to build momentum. They had still not reached 50 after 11 overs.

Glenn Phillips finally ended a 36-ball boundary drought by launching Chase over the boundary with a slog-swept six. He attacked Maheesh Theekshana in the following over as well, but the Sri Lankan spinner had the final say, bowling Phillips for 37 off 40 balls.

The pressure increased when Asalanka dismissed Shai Hope and Chase removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz within five deliveries, leaving Amazon Warriors at 69 for 4 in the 15th over.

Sampson Produces Sensational Finish

With 48 runs still required from 30 balls, Shimron Hetmyer and Quentin Sampson shifted the momentum in the 16th over, smashing a six each off Asalanka.

Although Hetmyer fell in the 18th over and Romario Shepherd departed in the 19th, Sampson remained composed and finished the game in spectacular fashion.

The youngster smashed 37 unbeaten runs from just 11 deliveries, including five sixes and a four. His final four balls produced 6, 6, 4 and 6, taking the Amazon Warriors over the line with nine balls to spare.

Sampson's explosive cameo ensured there would be no late collapse and capped a memorable victory for the Guyana side.

Amazon Warriors Confirm Top Spot

The win moved Guyana Amazon Warriors to 14 points and guaranteed them first place in the CPL 2026 league standings.

With two matches still remaining, the Amazon Warriors have an opportunity to strengthen their position further before the playoffs. St Lucia Kings, meanwhile, will be looking to arrest their slide after suffering their third successive defeat.

Tahir's five-wicket masterclass and Sampson's breathtaking late assault combined to give Guyana a victory that perfectly showcased the contrasting skills that have powered their campaign.