Guyana Amazon Warriors captured their maiden Global Super League (GSL) title on Friday night, defeating the defending champions Rangpur Riders by 32 runs in a high-octane final at a packed Providence Stadium.
Powered by a sensational top-order partnership and a ruthless bowling display, the Warriors delivered a statement win that thrilled the home crowd and capped off their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Charles and Gurbaz Light Up the Final
Opting to bat first, Guyana posted an imposing total of 196 for 4, with openers Johnson Charles and Rahmanullah Gurbaz stitching together a blistering 121-run stand. Charles played a measured knock of 67 before retiring hurt, while Gurbaz dazzled with 66 off just 38 balls, laced with six boundaries and four towering sixes.
Despite a late wobble, Guyana’s middle order ensured the innings finished strong, leaving Rangpur with a daunting chase in pressure-filled conditions.
Rangpur Falter Under Lights
Rangpur Riders’ reply got off to a nightmare start. Early run-outs and the dismissals of key batters like Soumya Sarkar and Kyle Mayers left them gasping at 32 for 3 inside the powerplay. A brief counterattack came through a 73-run partnership between Saif Hassan (41) and Iftikhar Ahmed (46), but once Saif was run out, the innings unraveled quickly.
Rangpur were bowled out for 164 in 19.5 overs, falling well short of the target.
Pretorius, Tahir Star With the Ball
South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 37, while veteran spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie bagged two wickets apiece, applying the squeeze during the crucial middle overs.
Tahir, who also topped the tournament’s wicket charts, was later named Player of the Series, capping off a stellar campaign.
A Historic First for Guyana
This victory marks Guyana’s first GSL title and adds to their growing trophy cabinet, having already won the Caribbean Premier League in 2023. Celebrating with the home fans, the team soaked in a moment years in the making.
“This one’s special — to win in front of our people, under pressure, against champions — it doesn’t get better,” said captain Shimron Hetmyer, who hailed the team’s unity and hunger throughout the tournament.
The GSL 2025 edition, held entirely in Guyana from July 10 to 18, featured five teams from across the cricketing world. Guyana’s unbeaten run and dominance across all departments have now made them a team to watch globally.
