Shepherd, Nabi pier GAW to thrilling win over Desert Vipers

Romario Shepherd and Mohammad Nabi orchestrated a remarkable recovery to guide the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a two-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers in the ExxonMobil Global Super League at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a formidable target of 206, the Warriors recovered from a precarious 95 for 7 in the 11th over to complete the chase with two deliveries to spare.

The Warriors’ pursuit began briskly, with Quentin Sampson (35) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (31) assembling a 55-run opening partnership.

However, their dismissals precipitated a dramatic middle-order collapse. Mohammad Haris managed 12, while Shimron Hetmyer was bowled first-ball by Khary Pierre.

Rovman Powell, Gudakesh Motie and debutant Jonathan van Lange fell in rapid succession, leaving the innings in disarray.

The match turned on a 91-run, eighth-wicket stand between Shepherd and Nabi. Shepherd played the primary aggressor, registering a 17-ball half-century to record the fastest fifty of the tournament.

 He eventually fell for a 21-ball 52, an innings that included six sixes and two fours.

Nabi anchored the remainder of the chase, remaining unbeaten on a 29-ball 40 containing three fours and three sixes as Dwaine Pretorius finished on 17 not out to secure the win in the final over.

For the Vipers, captain Shadab Khan took 3 for 40, supported by Pierre’s 2 for 37.

Earlier, having been asked to bat, the Vipers posted 205 for 6, but their start was subdued, losing debutant Zachary Carter to Nabi at extra cover and Andries Gous in the deep early in the innings.

Rilee Rossouw stabilised the innings with a measured 61 off 48 deliveries, an effort that included five fours and a six.

Following Shadab’s run-out, Kyle Mayers (35) and Bevon Jacobs (30) provided vital middle-order momentum while Vritya Aravind applied the finishing touches at the back end of the innings with an unbeaten 28, featuring six boundaries.

Captain Imran Tahir was the pick of the Warriors’ bowlers, claiming 2 for 37 from his four overs.

The result extends the Warriors’ winning streak to two matches in the five-team competition, while the Vipers remain winless after two outings.

The tournament continues on Sunday with a double-header: the Perth Scorchers face the San Francisco Unicorns from 10:00 am, while the Warriors return to play the Lahore Qalandars from 7:00 pm.