Trinbago Knight Riders Team News
It stopped being an unbeaten season like it was last time for the Trinbago Knight Riders after they lost their first match of the season to Guyana. There were then a couple of iffy performances, but Trinbago Knight Riders have now very much found their groove.
One thing they’ve realised is that on this wicket at Warner Park, taking pace off the ball is key. That means they should let their spinners bowl plenty of overs and that even the faster bowlers shouldn’t try to bowl fast, but rather deliberately bowl slower and bowl off cutters, as well.
They also realised there was no place for Dinesh Ramdin, who never really got going. Maybe the veteran wicket-keeper batsman’s days are numbered at top level cricket, full stop.
They also came to the conclusion that playing Sunil Narine as an opener didn’t really work. Yes, occasionally he scored quickly but he always got out soon after.
Lastly, they realised that skipper Kieron Pollard is by far their best batsman and needs to come in earlier when needed. Very often, he was the difference. All in all, they look like the most likely winners of this year’s L.
Likely XI
Simmons, Webster, Munro, D Bravo, Pollard, Seifert, Narine, Hosein, Pierre, Seales, Rampaul
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Team News
They went off like a train but are losing form at just the wrong time and in serious danger of missing out in that all-important Top 2 finish, which would give them two shots at making the final.
Chris Gayle has been disappointing. In his second spell at St Kitts after a disastrous couple of seasons at Jamaica, he just hasn’t got going on this Warner Park wicket.
Maybe they should give him a go in the role where he spent 90% of his career: as an opener. It’s just not working for him at number three but then again, they’re not going to drop him, are they?
On the plus side, Fabien Allen continues to impress and could be the next Andre Russell for the Windies as an all-rounder who can cause huge destruction in the final overs with the bat.
His off-spin is very handy as well and he’s a fine fielder so expect him to play a big role for his country at the T20 World Cup.
Likely XI
E Lewis, Thomas, Gayle, De Silva, Bopara, Drakes, Allen, McCarthy, van Meekeren, Jaggesar, Fawad.
Venue & conditions
The Warner Park conundrum goes on. We wouldn’t necessarily advise a bet on the first innings runs market because it’s been so hard to call in of what is a par score here.
However, if Saint Kitts bat first, it could pay to go below 160. Trinbago have been extremely smart with their bowling and Saint Kitts haven’t always been so smart with their batting so you might get decent odds on going under 160 for the Patriots.
