JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – In a stunning reversal of fortunes, the Guyana Amazon Warriors delivered a thunderous statement to the rest of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, dismantling the table-topping Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by a massive 83 runs in a rain-affected Game 9.

After a series of nail-biters, this contest was a one-sided affair, utterly dominated by the Warriors and their inspirational skipper, Imran Tahir.

The leg-spinner weaved a magical spell, claiming a sensational 5-21, the best T20 figures of his illustrious career, to snuff out the Falcons’ chase and deservedly claim the Player of the Match award.

The victory propels the Warriors into second place on the table. More significantly, Imran Tahir’s men have now won two from two and boast a staggering eight games in hand, marking them as serious title contenders.

The match began with a bold decision. On a damp night at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Tahir won the toss and, bucking the tournament trend, elected to bat first.

After a rain delay of 54 minutes, any raised eyebrows were swiftly smoothed flat by a breathtaking display of power hitting.

The Warriors’ innings was built on a spectacular 106-run partnership in just 44 balls between the in-form Shai Hope and the destructive Shimron Hetmyer.

Hope was the anchor, crafting a classy 82 from 54 deliveries. Hetmyer then unleashed pure carnage, bludgeoning 65 from just 26 balls in an innings peppered with five fours and five sixes, powering Guyana to an imposing 211-3.

Romario Shepherd also weighed in on the action and smashed an unbeaten 25 from eight balls.

The Falcons’ chase started at a gallop with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing a four and a six in the opening over, but a brilliant catch from Gudakesh Motie in the deep sent back Cornwall and kick-started the carnage that would ensue.

The in-form Karima Gore with 31 off 14 balls, and Bevan Jacobs 26 from 25, could not convert their start into a match-winning knock.

Once they fell, the innings crumbled at 128 in 15.2 overs, under the weight of the required rate and the guile of Tahir.

The veteran spinner applied a chokehold on the match from the moment he entered the attack, beginning with a double-wicket maiden.

He never looked back, bamboozling the Falcons’ batters and single-handedly securing a comprehensive win for his side. Seamer Dwaine Pretorious and Shepherd would not be undone, as they chipped in with two wickets each.