CPL 2016 Match 8 Preview: A chance for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to top the table

The mood in the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots will be refreshing as they finally registered a win after losing two in a row. Things finally seemed to be falling place for them now. The batting department looks bit sturdy and the bowlers also look among wickets. It will be now important for them to ensure that they don’t lose the winning momentum as have a good chance of maintaining their position in the top half of the points table.

Barbados Tridents looked completely lacklustre in their opening game against Trinbago Knight Riders, Their batting was feeble and the bowlers, after creating stunning early impact, let the game slip away totally later on. It will be crucial for them avoid such losses early in the tournament.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots:

The openers have finally responded to their fans worries after doing well in the previous game. Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis had one single-digit score to their names in the first two games; a good start looked far from being possible. But, Lewis and Simmons finally put up a solid show together in their team’s win in the previous game.

Lewis, especially, was wonderful. The home side would hop the openers continue in the same vein tomorrow as well. Skipper Faf du Plessis’ form can be bit concerning. All-rounder Devon Thomas had been menacing with the bat. However, the more experienced all-rounding pair of Carlos Brathwaite and Thisara Perera have been functional with the ball but so far have failed to live up to their reputation with the bat. The bowlers have a tough task in the upcoming game. They have a very potent batting side to

The bowlers have a tough task in the upcoming game. They have a very potent batting side to curb. Tabraiz Shamsi has the star in the bowling department. He has been very deceptive and has picked up wicket regularly. Samuel Badree will also play a crucial role.  Krishmar Santokie, a bowler with a T20 reputation, has been dull this season.

Probable XI:

Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Jonathan Carter, Faf du Plessis (C), Devon Thomas, Thisara Perera, Carlos Braithwaite, Brad Hodge, Samuel Badree, Tabraiz Shamsi, Krishmar Santokie

Barbados Tridents:

The strong looking Tridents batting order could not live up build-up they had. They have names with a great T20 reputation in their ranks right from the stat till the lower middle order. But, none of them could win it for their team despite getting starts. However, just one match is never enough to judge a team and therefore one can expect a superb show from the.

A failure in the last game will not cut down the AB de Villiers threat to even a single percent. Adding more strength to the middle order will be Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard. Both can take away the game single-handedly when at their best. The attacking wicket keeper batsman Nicholas Pooran has continued to impress with his hitting skills.

Ravi Rampaul led the pace attack well but Wayne Parnell and David Wiese had no impact in the opening game. Both need to be more economical. The spin attack will be handled by Akeal Hosein Ashley Nurse

Probable XI:

Stevan Taylor, Kyle Hope, AB de Villiers, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran (WK), David Wiese, Akeal Hosein, Ashley Nurse, Davis Wiese, Ravi Rampaul

Match timings:

The Match starts at 4.30 am (India).