Patriots Pull Off Last-Over Thriller to Stay Alive

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are not done yet. In a high-pressure CPL clash, the Patriots snatched a dramatic five-run win over Guyana Amazon Warriors to keep their season alive, thanks to a calm final over from Naseem Shah.

Mohammad Rizwan was the backbone with the bat, grinding out a classy 85 from 62 balls after the Patriots were reeling at 26/3 inside the PowerPlay. His 61-run partnership with Navian Bidaisee gave the home side something to defend, closing on 149/6.

That target looked light, but the Patriots’ bowlers turned the contest into a scrap. Jason Holder used six options, each picking up a wicket and keeping the squeeze on. Waqar Salamkheil, Holder himself, and Naseem all struck at key moments, dismantling the Warriors’ middle order just when they looked set.

The game still hung in the balance when Guyana needed 11 from the final over. Naseem mixed up his pace and lengths to perfection, giving nothing away and silencing Pretorius, Shepherd and Sampson in turn. The Patriots’ celebrations said it all – they’re still in the hunt.

With six points from nine matches, the Patriots now face a must-win against Barbados Royals. Guyana remain in fourth on eight points, but the pressure is rising as the playoff race tightens.

Brief Scores
Patriots 149/6 (Rizwan 85, Bidaisee 22*; Motie 2/44, Hassan Khan 2/21)
Warriors 144/8 (Hope 31, McDermott 21; Naseem 2/27, Salamkheil 2/28)
Patriots won by 5 runs