CPL 2018: Match 24, Match Prediction- Who will win the match, Barbados Tridents or St Lucia Stars?

St Lucia Stars’ fate hangs by a thread as they need to win their final match against Barbados Tridents in order to stay in contention for a playoffs berth. The team is currently placed in the fifth position of the points table in this season’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Moreover, they also need to hope that St Kitts and Nevis Patriots lose their next encounter against Jamaica Tallawahs.

To make things worse for Kieron Pollard’s men, they have lost all their previous matches in Barbados. Jason Holder and Co aren’t in a comfortable position either. Another defeat at home will land them in deep waters. They have already lost four consecutive matches and would be desperate to emerge victorious in their last match at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown in Barbados.

Pitch

The pitch has had decent bounce and carry in the previous matches and bearing in mind the home team’s bowling attack, the deck isn’t expected to behave any differently. The Stars also have the pacers, who can take advantage of the conditions. All four matches have been won by the team batting second at the venue and it won’t be a surprise if the teams opt to bowl first after winning the toss.

Team Combination

Barbados Tridents

The Tridents don’t have many alternatives and are likely to keep the same lineup. It goes without saying that Dwayne Smith and Martin Guptill need to be at their very best. The onus will also be on the middle-order consisting of the likes of Amla, Smith, Hope and Pooran. In the bowling department, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Jason Holder, undoubtedly, will be the key.

Predicted XI

Dwayne Smith, Martin Guptill, Hashim Amla, Steve Smith, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Jason Holder (C), Ashley Nurse, Wahab Riaz, Chemar Holder, Mohammad Irfan

St Lucia Stars

The Stars are likely to retain their eleven from their last completed match against the Tallawahs. Andre Fletcher has to deliver at the top of the order. The middle-order is an experienced one with the likes of David Warner, Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons in their ranks. Mitchell McClenaghan, Kesrick Williams and Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmad have to be on top of their mark.

Predicted XI

Mark Chapman, Andre Fletcher (wk), Rakheem Cornwall, David Warner, Kieron Pollard (C), Lendl Simmons, Darren Sammy, Qais Ahmad, Mitchell McClenaghan, Kesrick Williams, Obed McCoy

Probable top performers

Mohammad Irfan- Barbados Tridents, David Warner– St Lucia Stars

The prediction is for Barbados Tridents to win their first home match.