Predicting GAW’s Playing XI for the 9th Match against ABF in CPL 2025

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) are confident as they head into their 9th match of CPL 2025 after a good start to the tournament. Their five-wicket victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots earlier in the season indicated the firepower at the top of their order and balance in their bowling attack. Going up against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (ABF) at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the Warriors will hope to fine-tune their winning combination and get their best XI on the field.

Openers

No selection looks more certain than Ben McDermott. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter has recently taken the competition by storm, belting an incredible 75 runs from just 39 balls against the Patriots, hitting ten fours and four sixes at an outrageous strike rate of 192. The way he times the ball, combined with his aggression and intent at the top of the order, will give GAW the momentum they require in these power plays.

Shai Hope should be his partner in crime, after a brilliant innings of 56 not out from 39 balls to anchor the chase. While McDermott was smashing away, Hope showed his class by rotating the strike and punishing loose balls, so there were no hiccups in the chase. He is an ideal foil to McDermott, given his experience and cool head, providing the perfect right-hand complement at the top of the order.

Middle Order

Shimron Hetmyer is still an important player in the middle order, even though he was out early last match. Plenty of players have great natural ability to clear the ropes, but Hetmyer’s is on another level. His ability to accelerate his scoring as quickly as he does means he cannot be underestimated. Just one stellar performance at the crease can redefine the match.

Moeen Ali has also earned his spot in the middle order. He made a valuable contribution with 19 runs at a run-a-ball against the Patriots, but, most importantly, he is versatile. He can adapt to situations – consolidating if early wickets go down, or accelerating once a platform is built.

All-Rounders

Romario Shepherd is a true difference-maker for GAW. bowling three miserly overs of 3 overs for 17 runs, with one of the biggest wickets. He adds pressure-bowling capability, but also adds longer options in the lower order. One of the top power-hitters in the death-overs, Shepherd is a class finisher.

Dwaine Pretorius is another high-impact all-rounder. His three-wicket day, taking down the Patriots (and two of the most damaging ones, Fletcher and Naseem Shah), demonstrated that he can individualize then break partnerships.

Bowlers

The core of GAW’s bowling is still powered by Imran Tahir. The experienced leg-spinner took 2 wickets for 29 in his four overs, including the wicket of Rilee Rossouw. Tahir’s combinations, control, and even out-and-out experience in the CPL are always causing a threat during the middle overs.

Gudakesh Motie also provides the perfect spin complement. He bowled 4 economical overs for only 20 runs and secured the wicket of Jason Holder. His left-arm orthodox spin restricts batters and builds pressure for them is an excellent enable for others like Tahir and Pretorius to pick off.

FAQs

Who are the likely openers for GAW in the 9th CPL match?

Ben McDermott and Shai Hope are expected to open for GAW.

Which middle-order batters can stabilize GAW’s innings?

Shimron Hetmyer and Moeen Ali are the key stabilizers.

Who are GAW’s main all-rounders in this match?

Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius are the primary all-rounders.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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