CPL 2024: Patriots-Warriors match registers 42 sixes, equals T20 record
The seventh match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 between St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Guyana Amazon Warriors, witnessed a record-equaling display of power-hitting. The two teams collectively smashed 42 sixes, equaling the highest number ever hit in a men's T20 match. This record was previously set by Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.
Warriors's explosive start sets the stage
The Warriors, electing to bat first at the Warner Park in St Kitts, made a promising start, record 53/1 in the first six overs. Shimron Hetmyer joined Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the middle thereafter. Hetmyer launched his innings with a six off Veerasammy Permaul's third delivery, while Gurbaz smashed Ryan John and Odean Smith for two sixes apiece in successive overs.
Warriors set new CPL record with 23 sixes
The Warriors's aggressive batting w them hit as many as 23 sixes, the joint third-highest ever in a men's T20 and a new record for the Caribbean Premier League. Their final score was an impressive 266/7, just one run short of the CPL record of 267/2 set by Trinbago Knight Riders against Jamaica Tallawahs in 2019. This set the stage for an exciting chase from the Patriots.
Hetmyer's record-breaking innings propels Warriors
Hetmyer and Gurbaz smashed the bowlers all around the ground until the latter was dismissed with the team's score at 169/3 after 13.4 overs. Hetmyer carried on with Keemo Paul, scoring a 39-ball 91, a knock that was studded with 11 sixes, the most in a men's T20 innings without a single four. This surpassed Riki Wessels's previous record of nine sixes for Nottinghamshire against Worcestershire in 2018.
Patriots's spirited chase falls short despite big hitting
In response to the Warriors's mammoth total, the Patriots put up a spirited chase. Despite losing Evin Lewis initially, the likes of Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, and Sherfane Rutherford kept the scoreboard ticking with their big hits. However, their momentum was disrupted when Rutherford was dismissed for a quickfire 34 off 12 balls in the ninth over. Imran Tahir then took two quick wickets in the 10th over, dismissing Josh Clarkson and Odean Smith.
Patriots and Warriors equal T20 record with 42 sixes
Fletcher continued his onslaught until the 13th over, scoring a rapid 33-ball 81. Despite some big hits from the middle order, regular wicket losses saw the Patriots fall short by 40 runs. However, their contribution of 19 sixes took the match's total to a 42, matching the highest maximums ever hit in a men's T20.
