Team News:
The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots were beaten by the Trinbago Knight Riders by 5 runs in their previous game. The Patriots initially did a good job of restricting the Knight Riders to an achievable total of 153 with South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi being the pick of the bowlers. The Patriots batsmen did get a few starts but failed to build upon them as they came so close to achieving their target.
The St Lucia Zouks will be playing only in their second game of this season, comfortably winning against the Trinbago Knight Riders in their first game. The Zouks look like a team with a plan being led by the energetic Darren Sammy. Opener Johnston Charles and the Australian all-rounder Shane Watson were the pick of the players for the Zouks and put up a fine display of batting and bowling performances.
Live Streams:
The LIVE match can be streamed on http://www.sonyliv.com and also on the official page ‘Caribbean Premier League’ through Facebook Live.
Probable Playing XI:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots:
Batsmen:
Openers Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis were not at their best against the Knight Riders, with Lewis being dismissed in the second over and Simmons gathering just 29 runs. Skipper Faf du Plessis got yet another start but failed to convert that into a big one for the Patriots. The South African batsman must adjust to the conditions quickly and start performing for the Patriots.
West Indies batsman Jonathan Carter looked good while he lasted for his 27 runs in 18 deliveries. The 28-year-old hit a couple of sixes before he was stumped off Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling. Brad Hodge had a rare failure against the Knight Riders while Wicket-keeper Devon Thomas cut loose as he smacked 3 sixes, scoring 25 runs in just 7 deliveries.
All-rounders:
Thisara Perera and Carlos Brathwaite bowled economically, giving away 28 runs each in their quota of 4 overs but could not contribute in the chase against the Knight Riders. Jonathan Carter could be used as an additional option in the bowling department.
Bowlers:
The Patriots have a good bowling attack with Krishmar Santokie opening with the new ball. The Patriots have a variety of options in the spin department with Tabraiz Shamsi and Samuel Badree.
Probable XI: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Faf du Plessis (Captain), Jonathan Carter, Brad Hodge, Devon Thomas (Wicket-keeper), Thisara Perera, Carlos Brathwaite, Krishmar Santokie, Tabraiz Shamsi, Samuel Badree.
St Lucia Zouks:
Batsmen:
Openers Johnson Charles and Shane Watson opened against the Knight Riders in their first game and mustered 47 runs together. West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher came in at the No.3 position and did not look comfortable as he departed after making 23 runs.
Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey was back on the cricket ground and contributed 16 runs before being bowled by Dwayne Bravo. Understandably, Hussey hasn’t been very regular playing cricket, participating in the Big Bash League this year and could take a while to get back in the groove. South African middle order batsman David Miller showed a glimpse of his batting potential when he made 33 runs in 20 deliveries with a strike-rate of 165.
All-rounders:
Skipper Darren Sammy has been an inspiring captain for the West Indies and is proving to a great leader for the Zouks as well. Sammy can fill in the mid overs and support the middle order with his batting abilities. All-rounder Kyle Mayers bowled really well with the new ball with the Zouks and could be given another opportunity against the Patriots.
Bowlers:
South African pacer Morne Morkel will most likely be spearheading the attack for the Zouks with the new ball with support from Nitish Kumar, Kristopher Ramsaran, and Derone Davis.
Probable XI: Johnson Charles, Shane Watson, Andre Fletcher (Wicket-keeper), Michael Hussey, David Miller, Darren Sammy (Captain), Kyle Mayers, Morne Morkel, Nitish Kumar, Kristopher Ramsaran, Derone Davis.
Prediction:
The Zouks won against the Trinbago Knight Riders when the odds were against them and with Sammy’s leadership they will be the favorites here.
