GEORGETOWN, GUYANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Pooran of Trinbago Knight Riders celebrates his century during the Men's 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 30 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Guyana National Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Providence, Guyana. (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

<p>The 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) group stage came to a spectacular close with an explosive performance from Nicholas Pooran, whose scintillating century powered the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to a commanding victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in the final group-stage match. Pooran&#8217;s blazing 101 off just 59 balls was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting, as he led his team to a mammoth total of 211/5.</p>



<p>This match, the 30th and last of the group stage, held high stakes, with both teams already qualified for the playoffs but vying for momentum and higher playoff positioning. Pooran’s century was the highlight of an exhilarating contest that saw TKR’s all-around performance overpower a formidable Warriors side that had dominated much of the tournament and still ended the group stage as the table toppers. The win bolstered TKR&#8217;s confidence heading into the playoffs and reminded everyone of the potent firepower they possess.</p>



<p>For the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the loss was a stumble in what had otherwise been a stellar group-stage campaign. Although they topped the table and secured a place in Qualifier 1, their defeat highlighted some vulnerabilities, especially in their middle order, which crumbled under the pressure of a daunting chase. Nonetheless, their consistent form throughout the tournament, backed by strong performances from key players, positions them as one of the favorites going into the knockout stages.</p>



<p>As the CPL enters its climactic playoff phase, the drama of the final group match perfectly encapsulated the excitement and unpredictability that has characterized the entire tournament. With some of the world’s most explosive T20 talent on display, and the final four teams set for battle, fans can look forward to even more thrilling action as the competition heads towards its grand finale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Match Summary: Trinbago Knight Riders vs. Guyana Amazon Warriors</h2>



<p>The Trinbago Knight Riders posted an imposing 211/5 in their 20 overs, with Nicholas Pooran leading the charge. Coming in at No. 3, Pooran lit up the stadium with a stunning 101 off 59 balls, smashing 9 fours and 8 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 171.18. His innings was pivotal after an early collapse, with opener <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/shaqkere-parris-1294447">Shaqkere Parris</a> falling for a duck. Pooran found valuable support from Jason Roy (34 off 26) and Keacy Carty, whose quickfire 27* off 13 balls provided the final flourish.</p>



<p>The Guyana bowlers struggled to contain the TKR batters, with Shamar Joseph (3/50) being the pick of the bowlers despite his high economy rate. Imran Tahir (1/29) and Dwaine Pretorius (1/33) chipped in, but the relentless onslaught from Pooran and Roy set a massive target of 212 for the Warriors.</p>



<p>In response, Guyana Amazon Warriors were bundled out for 137 in 18.5 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (36 off 22) provided a quick start, but the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Shai Hope&#8217;s (28 off 19) valiant effort and a late cameo from Imran Tahir (20 off 20) were not enough to rescue the Warriors. The TKR bowlers shared the spoils, with Waqar Salamkheil (3/26), Nathan Edward (3/19), and Terrance Hinds (3/17) leading the destruction.</p>



<p>The Warriors’ dismal middle-order collapse, losing 7 wickets for just 12 runs, ended any hopes of a successful chase, as TKR clinched victory by 74 runs, securing their place in the playoffs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Group Stage Review: A Competitive Campaign</h2>



<p>The 2024 CPL group stage was fiercely contested, with several standout performances that have set the stage for an exciting playoff phase. Here’s a breakdown of the final standings and key statistics from the group stage:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final Standings</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Team</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>M</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>W</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>L</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>N/R</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>PT</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>NRR</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">GAW</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">7</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">14</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0.799</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">7</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">14</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0.673</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">TKR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">7</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">14</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0.455</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">BR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0.084</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ABF</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">7</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">6</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-0.592</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">SKN</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">1</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">9</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-1.479</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>Despite the loss in their final game, the <a href="https://www.caribbeancricket.org/guyana-amazon-warriors-vs-st-lucia-kings-cpl-2024-match-29-review/">Guyana Amazon Warriors</a> topped the table with 14 points, tied with St Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders. Guyana&#8217;s superior net run rate (+0.799) earned them the top spot, followed by St Lucia Kings (+0.673) and TKR (+0.455). The Barbados Royals completed the top four, making it to the playoffs with 10 points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CPL 2024 Playoff Schedule</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Eliminator:</strong> Trinbago Knight Riders vs. Barbados Royals (October 2)</li>



<li><strong>Qualifier 1:</strong> Guyana Amazon Warriors vs. St Lucia Kings (October 3)</li>



<li><strong>Qualifier 2: </strong>October 5</li>



<li><strong>Final: </strong>October 7</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Star Performers of the Group Stage</strong></h2>



<p>The group stage saw individual brilliance from several players who lit up the tournament with their performances, whether with the bat or the ball.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Run-Scorers</strong></h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Quinton de Kock (Barbados Royals) &#8211; 434 runs</strong><br>De Kock has been the tournament’s most prolific run-getter, scoring 434 runs in 10 matches, including a top score of 115. His consistency at the top of the order has been crucial for Barbados.</li>



<li><strong>Nicholas Pooran (Trinbago Knight Riders) &#8211; 413 runs</strong><br>Pooran&#8217;s blistering century in the final match took his tally to 413 runs, with a staggering strike rate of 174.26. His power-hitting has been a cornerstone of TKR&#8217;s success.</li>



<li><strong>Johnson Charles (St Lucia Kings) &#8211; 366 runs</strong><br>Charles has provided stability for St Lucia at the top, scoring 366 runs with a healthy strike rate of 152.50, helping them secure a place in Qualifier 1.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Wicket-Takers</strong></h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Noor Ahmad (St Lucia Kings) &#8211; 18 wickets</strong><br>The young Afghan spinner has been a revelation, taking 18 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.16, with a best of 3/18.</li>



<li><strong>Gudakesh Motie (Guyana Amazon Warriors) &#8211; 16 wickets</strong><br>Motie&#8217;s consistent performances with the ball have been instrumental in Guyana’s run to the top of the table. His economy rate of 7.30 stands out in a tournament dominated by big-hitting.</li>



<li><strong>Maheesh Theekshana (Barbados Royals) &#8211; 15 wickets</strong><br>The Sri Lankan spinner continues to impress, adding 15 wickets to his name while maintaining a remarkable economy rate of 5.87.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Playoffs</strong></h2>



<p>As the playoffs loom, each of the four remaining teams will look to capitalize on their form and momentum. The Eliminator will see Trinbago Knight Riders take on Barbados Royals, a must-win clash where one team’s journey will end. On the other hand, the winner of Qualifier 1 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings will secure a direct ticket to the final, while the loser will have another shot in Qualifier 2.</p>



<p>Nicholas Pooran’s scintillating form will be crucial for TKR in the upcoming matches, while the likes of Quinton de Kock and Noor Ahmad will look to continue their dominance in the knockout stages. With the playoffs set to begin, the stage is perfectly poised for an enthralling conclusion to CPL 2024.</p>



<p>The fans can expect more fireworks, as this season has been nothing short of extraordinary.</p>

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