Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a valuable all-round performance for Guyana Amazon Warriors, but his efforts could not prevent a six-wicket defeat by Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League.
The Bangladesh all-rounder has made a strong impression during his debut CPL season, particularly with his bowling. He took three wickets in his first appearance for Guyana before following it with a four-wicket haul in his second match, earning the Player of the Match award.
His batting, however, had been relatively quiet in those opening games. Miraz scored only one and two runs respectively. Against Barbados, he finally made a more noticeable contribution with the bat, scoring 18 before taking two wickets during the Tridents’ chase.
The circumstances of his innings were far from ideal. Guyana were reduced to 15 for three after being sent in at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, leaving Miraz to walk in with his side under immediate pressure. He adopted a cautious approach as he attempted to stabilise the innings.
Miraz faced 24 deliveries and struck one four and one six on his way to 18. While the scoring rate was modest for a Twenty20 innings, his priority was to help Guyana recover from their early collapse. That recovery, though, never developed into a substantial total.
Guyana were bowled out for just 99 in 18.1 overs. Phillips top-scored with 24, while Shepherd made 22 and Miraz added 18. Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar was the chief destroyer, taking three wickets for 17 runs. Layne also claimed three wickets, conceding only 14.
The low target meant Barbados had little pressure in the second innings. They reached 100 for four in 14.5 overs, with 31 deliveries still remaining. King led the chase with an unbeaten 44, while DeCaire contributed 32.
Miraz nevertheless remained effective with the ball. He dismissed Quinton de Kock by bowling him before removing DeCaire, who was caught by Ronaldo Alimohammed. The Bangladesh all-rounder finished with two wickets for 25 runs.
Despite the defeat, the result did not damage Guyana’s wider campaign. They had already secured their place in the playoffs, making the fixture against Barbados effectively a final league-stage outing rather than a match on which their qualification depended.
The focus now shifts to the knockout stage. Guyana are scheduled to face Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the first qualifier on Friday morning, 18 September, Bangladesh time. The match will carry considerably greater importance, with Guyana seeking a route into the final.
For Miraz, the latest outing adds to an encouraging start in the CPL. His early wicket-taking performances have established him as a significant part of Guyana’s bowling attack, while his 18 runs against Barbados offered a reminder of the value he can provide lower down the order.
Guyana will now need a more complete team performance when the pressure increases in the playoffs. Miraz’s ability to contribute in both disciplines could be particularly useful, especially if he can carry his bowling form into the decisive stages of the competition.
