CPL 2023: Magnificent Motie defends six to keep Warriors unbeaten

Shai Hope (left) and Saim Ayub both made fifties for the Warriors (Photo: CPLT20)

The 98-run partnership was eventually broken when Carlos Braithwaite dismissed Ayub caught and bowled for 57.

Azam Khan fell shortly afterwards, but the Amazon Warriors continued to force the pace before Obed McCoy got Hope to chop on to his stumps for an even 50.

Late over fielding penalties saw the Royals get punished, but Brathwaite continued to be a thorn in the Amazon Warriors side dismissing Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd and Odean Smith in the 19th over before Jason Holder followed suit in the last over to remove Dwaine Pretorius and Keemo Paul.

The Amazon Warriors still posted an imposing total of 181-9 that left the Royals an almighty task ahead.

While 182 to win was always likely to be a tall order the Royals did not help their assignment by losing both their openers inside the Powerplay. However, the Royals reached the six over mark at 54-2 and ensured they had a base from which to mount a charge.

A 60-run partnership between Laurie Evans and Alick Athanaze was eventually bought to a close when Odean Smith got Evans to commit to a shot too early and Athanaze himself was to follow 12 balls later.

Just when it seemed the Royals were going to fall to defeat captain Rovman Powell blasted 39 from 19 balls to leave the Royals the equation of 31 runs needed from 19 balls.

Once Braithwaite and Justin Greaves had got the equation down to six of the final over it looked a forgone conclusion, but the Warriors and Motie closed out a famous win. (CPLT20)