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Guyana Amazon Warriors will face Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Qualifier 1 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, on September 18. The Warriors finished the league stage at the top of the points table with eight wins from ten matches, while the Falcons secured second place. The two teams have already faced each other twice this season, with Guyana winning the first encounter before Antigua & Barbuda Falcons responded with a convincing victory in their second meeting.
Guyana’s most recent outing ended in a six-wicket defeat against Barbados Tridents, but the result did not affect their position at the top of the table. With a place in the final at stake, Imran Tahir and his team are expected to retain a largely settled combination for the crucial Qualifier 1.
Glenn Phillips is likely to continue opening the innings after featuring at the top in Guyana’s final league-stage game. The New Zealand batter scored 24 off 23 balls against Barbados and remains one of the team’s biggest attacking options. His ability to clear the boundaries and accelerate during the powerplay makes him an important component of Guyana’s batting unit.
Mavendra Dindyal should partner Phillips at the top. The young all-rounder has been given an extended run in the XI and opened in the Warriors’ last league game. Although he managed only six runs against Barbados, his ability to provide an aggressive start makes him a useful option alongside Phillips.
Shai Hope is expected to retain his place as wicketkeeper-batter and could be particularly important in a pressure game. He finished the league stage as Guyana’s leading run-scorer with 276 runs. However, Hope was dismissed for a duck in the previous match and will be keen to make an impact in the Qualifier.
Shimron Hetmyer remains a key middle-order presence for Guyana. The left-hander has the ability to change the complexion of an innings quickly and has accumulated 264 runs during the league stage. His experience in high-pressure CPL games makes him an important player for the Warriors.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz should continue as Guyana’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder. He has contributed with both bat and ball throughout the campaign. His recent performance against Trinbago Knight Riders was particularly impressive, with the Bangladesh all-rounder claiming 4/23 in a six-wicket victory.
Quentin Sampson is likely to retain his place as a dynamic middle-order option. The youngster can provide impetus with the bat and also offers another bowling option when required. His ability to attack spin and pace makes him useful in the middle overs.
Romario Shepherd brings experience, power-hitting and seam bowling to the XI. The West Indian all-rounder can be promoted if Guyana require quick runs and remains capable of bowling crucial overs, particularly towards the back end of the innings.
Dwaine Pretorius should continue as another seam-bowling all-rounder. His experience in franchise cricket makes him a valuable option in knockout cricket, while his ability to contribute lower-order runs gives Guyana additional batting depth.
Ronaldo Alimohamed is expected to retain his place as a specialist pace option. He featured in the Warriors’ final league-stage XI and can provide an attacking option with the ball. Against a dangerous Falcons batting lineup, his ability to strike at crucial moments could be important.
Veerasammy Permaul should partner Mehidy and Tahir in the spin department. The experienced left-arm spinner bowled economically in the final league game, conceding only 14 runs from his four overs while picking up one wicket. His control could prove valuable at Kensington Oval.
Captain Imran Tahir is expected to lead the bowling attack. The veteran leg-spinner produced one of the performances of Guyana’s late league-stage campaign, taking 5/17 against Saint Lucia Kings. He also finished the league stage with 14 wickets, making him one of the Warriors’ leading wicket-takers.
Glenn Phillips, Mavendra Dindyal, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Veerasammy Permaul, Imran Tahir (c)
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