PROVIDENCE, Guyana – THE highly anticipated Global Super League (GSL), the latest addition to the international T20 cricket circuit, began in spectacular fashion last evening. Hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors delivered a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan’s Lahore Qalandars in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
Billed as a fresh chapter in the evolution of T20 cricket, the GSL's inaugural match set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. The Amazon Warriors displayed consistency and determination, with West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope anchoring the chase with a patient 45 runs to guide the hosts to 129/4 in pursuit of 126. From the outset, a Warriors victory appeared inevitable.
Amazon Warriors captain Imran Tahir won the toss and opted to field on a slow surface. The Qalandars struggled to build momentum, managing only 47/2 in the powerplay. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/20) and Hassan Khan (2/31) were instrumental in keeping the opposition in check.
Adam Rossington provided a brief spark for the Qalandars, scoring a quickfire 25 off 19 balls before being run out by a brilliant direct hit from Shai Hope. The Warriors’ spinners then tightened the screws, stifling the scoring rate and picking up crucial wickets.
Luke Wells (11 off 10) and Tom Abell (48 off 44) forged a 32-run partnership that took the Qalandars to 84 before Wells was trapped LBW by Tahir (1/25) attempting a reverse sweep. Abell, the Qalandars’ top scorer, fell in the penultimate over as Dwaine Pretorius delivered a game-changing performance. Pretorius cleaned up the tail in a sensational 19th over, claiming 4/21 and helping dismiss the Qalandars for 125 in 19.2 overs.
In reply, the Amazon Warriors executed their chase with minimal fuss. Shai Hope’s composed knock was the backbone of the innings, ensuring there were no hiccups. Despite a few early wickets, the target was never in doubt, as the hosts cruised to victory with eight balls to spare.
The Global Super League arrives on the heels of the Caribbean Premier League and carries a prize pool of USD 1 million. Featuring six teams from across the globe competing at a single venue, the tournament is not only a cricketing spectacle but also a strategic initiative by the Guyanese government to bolster its tourism and diversify the local economy.
The opening match has set the stage for an electrifying competition, with the Amazon Warriors making a strong statement in their quest for the inaugural GSL title.
