CPL 2018: Match 7, Match Prediction- Who will win the match, Jamaica Tallawahs or St Lucia Stars?

Jamaica Tallawahs survived a narrow escape in their opening match of the 2018 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) against Trinbago Knight Riders. Andre Russell’s hat-trick and the 40-ball century pulled them out after they lost five wickets in quick succession. They will now be up against St Lucia Stars who are yet to open their account after two defeats against Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Knights.

On the contrary, the Stars stumbled at the final hurdle of their run chase against Shoaib Malik’s men and failed to track a moderate target of 142 runs. Moreover, they haven’t won a single match in the last 12 appearances in the T20 championship and would be desperate to get back to winning ways. In the meantime, Sabina Park, Kingston in Jamaica is set to host its first match of the ongoing season.

Pitch

The track has produced some high scoring encounters over the past few years and the team batting second would definitely fancy their chances on the speculated decent batting wicket. It won’t be a surprise if the teams opt to bowl first after winning the toss. Albeit the Stars lost their last two matches batting second, they would want to chase owing to the powerful lineup they possess.

Team Combination

Jamaica Tallawahs

The Tallawahs are likely to remain unchanged. The top order couldn’t perform the last time and the likes of Johnson Charles, Ross Taylor, and Rovman Powell will have to step up. It will be unfair to expect Andre Russell to deliver last night’s performance, but he remains to be a vital component of the setup. The onus will also be on the bowlers like Zampa, Roach, and Wasim.

Predicted XI

Glenn Phillips (wk), Johnson Charles, Andre McCarthy, Ross Taylor, Rovman Powell, Kennar Lewis, Andre Russell (C), Imad Wasim, Kemar Roach, Krishmar Santokie, Adam Zampa

St Lucia Stars

The side will hope for Sammy to recover from his injury and return to the team. Hodge may have to sit out it the veteran returns. Warner and Fletcher are the openers with Lendl Simmons to come at number three. The bowling department, which did reasonably well the other night is likely to be unchanged with the likes of Qais Ahmed, McClenaghan, Williams and Sammy in their ranks.

Predicted XI

Andre Fletcher (wk), David Warner, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard (C), Mark Chapman, Rakheem Cornwall, Kavem Hodge/Darren Sammy, Qais Ahmed, Mitchell McClenaghan, Kesrick Williams, Mohammad Sami

Probable top performers

Johnson Charles- Jamaica Tallawahs, Lendl Simmons- St Lucia Stars

The prediction is for Jamaica Tallawahs to win back-to-back matches.