The 2016 edition of the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament is soon to get underway. The Guyana Amazon Warriors, based in Providence, Georgetown, Guyana, will be representing the province of Guyana in the tournament. The Warriors probably have the strongest international contingent amongst all the teams in the tournament, as well as an overseas captain in Martin Guptill. Let us take a detailed look at the squad:
2016 Auction:
Guyana made a statement of intent as they picked up Martin Guptill as their marquee overseas player in the auction. The Kiwi opener is an attack-minded player who likes to take on and dominate bowlers from the outset. Australians Chris Lynn and Adam Zampa, who star regularly in the Australian Big Bash T20 tournament, will also feature for the Warriors. Experienced Pakistani seamer Sohail Tanvir will add firepower to the bowling department.
Although the West Indian contingent comprises mainly of local players, Veerasamy Permaul and Rayad Emrit will be familiar faces, along with Dwayne Smith, who is probably the most well-known Caribbean cricketer in their ranks. The complete squad for the warriors is as follows:
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Guyana Amazon Warriors: Sohail Tanvir, Martin Guptill, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Rayad Emrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammed, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Ali Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo.
Playing XI: With a host of international stars with plenty of T20 experience and expertise, expect the Warriors to rely heavily on their overseas contingent in their quest for the CPL trophy.
Top order:
The top order could take away the game from the opposition on their day. In Martin Guptill and Dwayne Smith, they have 2 of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket. If Guptill and Smith can get off to a flyer, expect a lot of fireworks, especially in the powerplay overs. All-rounder Chris Barnwell can also wield a heavy bat to good effect up the order. 19-year-old Shimron Hetmyer is a player with a lot of potential and his timing and placement enables him to find the boundary with regular ease.
Middle order:
The middle order of the Warriors is bolstered by Chris Lynn who has proved himself to be a T20 specialist in the Big Bash over the years. Lynn is efficient at keeping the scoreboard ticking over. However, his main strength is his ability to clear the boundary at will, especially in the arc between long on and long off. Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble is no mug with the bat either.
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Lower order:
A lot will depend upon Jason Mohammad and Rayad Emrit in deciding the final score the Warriors attain after 20 overs. Capable of slogging a few over the ropes in the death overs, Emrit and Mohammad can also dig in deep and play a patient knock in case of a collapse early in the innings.
Tailenders:
The tailenders will not inspire much confidence as batsmen. Sohail Tanvir, Adam Zampa and Devendra Bishoo are, to put it mildly, not very adept at batting. However, Tanvir’s pace and ability to bowl Yorkers at will in the death overs coupled with a very unorthodox bowling action will make him difficult to score off. Leg-spinners Adam Zampa and Devendra Bishoo will bring guile and trickery to slow up the opponents scoring in the middle overs.
Alternatives: All-rounder Steven Jacobs is a decent off break bowler who can be used in case the opponent has a number of left-handers in their team. Pacer Ali Khan can be drafted in to assist Tanvir on seam friendly tracks.
Prospects: The Warriors have a good chance of winning the CPL this year. Their final position will be largely dependent on the exploits of captain Martin Guptill who has to give them a solid start in almost every match. If their local players can prove reputations count for nothing when it comes to performances, they might very well lift the trophy.
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