Hand-picked stories you can't miss

Guyana Amazon Warriors will take on Trinbago Knight Riders in Match 22 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba on August 31. The Warriors have made an excellent start to their campaign and will enter the contest as one of the form teams in the competition.
Guyana have won all three of their matches so far, including a commanding seven-wicket victory over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in their most recent outing. They bowled out the Falcons for just 116 before chasing down the target in only 9.5 overs. Shamar Joseph picked up three wickets, while Khary Pierre and Imran Tahir also played key roles with the ball.
The batting unit has also impressed. Shai Hope has provided consistency at the top, while Shimron Hetmyer produced a spectacular 49 off 19 balls in the victory over Antigua. The Warriors’ squad also boasts international stars such as Glenn Phillips, Mohammad Nabi, Dwaine Pretorius and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
However, the overseas-player limit means Guyana have some difficult selection decisions to make. Their confirmed squad includes five overseas players in Glenn Phillips, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Dwaine Pretorius and Imran Tahir, while only four can feature in the XI.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Guyana Amazon Warriors for Match 22 against Trinbago Knight Riders:
Glenn Phillips is expected to open the innings.
The New Zealand batter provides Guyana with an aggressive option at the top and can take the game away from the opposition during the Powerplay. He also gives captain Imran Tahir the flexibility to use him as a part-time off-spinner if required.
Phillips scored 11 off eight balls in the previous match against Antigua before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph. He will be eager to make a bigger impact against TKR.
Shai Hope should continue as wicketkeeper and occupy the No. 2 position.
Hope has been one of Guyana’s most dependable batters in the tournament. He remained unbeaten on 56 in their opening match against Jamaica Kingsmen and followed it up with an explosive 47* off 26 balls against Antigua.
His ability to switch gears makes him particularly valuable in T20 cricket. Against TKR’s strong spin attack, Hope will need to combine his calculated strokeplay with aggression.
Shimron Hetmyer is likely to come in at No. 3.
The left-hander was sensational in Guyana’s previous outing, smashing 49 off only 19 deliveries, including six sixes. His brutal assault helped the Warriors chase down 117 in less than 10 overs.
Hetmyer’s ability to dominate spin could prove decisive against Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein. If he gets his eye in, TKR could struggle to contain him.
Quentin Sampson is expected to retain his place in the XI.
The young Guyanese all-rounder is particularly important because CPL’s squad regulations require Guyana to include a breakout player in their lineup. Sampson has already demonstrated his finishing ability, hitting a six off his only delivery against Antigua to seal the victory.
His inclusion also gives the Warriors another bowling option.
Romario Shepherd should occupy the No. 5 slot.
The powerful all-rounder is one of Guyana’s most important T20 players. Shepherd can clear the boundary against both pace and spin and is equally capable of bowling crucial overs.
His role could become especially important if the Warriors lose wickets during the middle overs. Against TKR, he will also be expected to contribute with the ball at the death.
Mohammad Nabi could continue at No. 6.
The veteran Afghanistan all-rounder has already shown his value in CPL 2026. He produced a superb four-wicket haul against Jamaica Kingsmen in Guyana’s opening game and also contributed 19 runs during the chase.
Nabi’s off-spin could be extremely useful against TKR’s left-handers, while his ability to accelerate late in the innings adds further depth.
Dwaine Pretorius is another important all-round option.
The South African provides Guyana with a seam-bowling option and can also contribute valuable runs down the order. His variations make him particularly effective in T20 cricket, especially during the death overs.
However, his inclusion would mean one of Guyana’s other overseas players has to sit out. Given the team’s current winning combination, Pretorius could be preferred for the balance he offers.
Khary Pierre should continue as the specialist left-arm spinner.
Pierre was outstanding against Antigua, returning figures of 2/19 and earning the Player of the Match award.
With TKR boasting several aggressive left-handed batters, Pierre’s ability to bowl economically and attack the stumps could be crucial.
Shamar Joseph should lead the pace attack.
The Guyanese fast bowler has been one of the standout performers for the Warriors this season. He claimed 2/22 in the opening game against Jamaica and followed it with 3/22 against Antigua.
His raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him a major threat to TKR’s top order.
Veerasammy Permaul could be included to provide another specialist spin option.
The veteran left-arm spinner offers experience and control and can complement Pierre and Tahir in the middle overs. His selection would allow Guyana to build a bowling attack heavily focused on spin, which could be useful at the Brian Lara Stadium.
Imran Tahir should complete the XI and lead the side.
The veteran leg-spinner remains one of Guyana’s most important wicket-taking options. He took 2/26 against Jamaica and followed it up with 2/25 against Antigua, while also making an impact tactically as captain.
Tahir’s experience could be crucial against TKR’s dangerous middle order.
Glenn Phillips, Shai Hope (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Mohammad Nabi, Dwaine Pretorius, Khary Pierre, Shamar Joseph, Veerasammy Permaul, Imran Tahir (C)
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the CPL.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the The CPL 2026.
cricket
cricket
cricket