CPL 2019, Eliminator, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Going in to the all-important Eliminator on an expected slow strip, both teams are short on their spin department.

Published - 06 Oct 2019, 12:52 IST | Updated - 06 Oct 2019, 12:52 IST

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Trinbago Knight Riders started the CPL 2019 with four resounding victories. But their campaign has fallen apart ever since. The team, led by Kieron Pollard, is winless for their last six matches, yet managed to qualify for the playoffs. A couple of days ago, TKR lost the chance of playing the Qualifier 1 after losing to the Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets at the Providence Stadium.

Now at the same venue, the Knights will lock horns with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. In the league stage, Pollard and Co defeated the Patriots in Trinidad, but lost to them in the Super Over at the Warner Park. Carlos Brathwaite’s men started with one victory in their first five matches, but came back strong. Their one-run away triumph over Barbados Tridents sealed their place in the playoffs.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Guyana has helped the spinners in the presence of dew. Next time, it’s a day game and the tweakers will come into play even more. Two day-games have been played this season on slow wickets and both times, the chasing teams came out trumps. Both sides also have batting as their strength and will wish to field first. There is a slight chance of rain with the temperature in the 30s.

Team Combinations

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

The Patriots have strained with their opening slot. In the last game, they tried Mohammad Hafeez after Devon Thomas’ poor form. The tactic didn’t work though. Evin Lewis got a couple of couple of decent scores for TKR and he needs to be on top of his game. Laurie Evans can play the long innings and he has to be at his best. Brooks, Hafeez and Thomas can’t afford to be complacent either.

In the bowling department, they lack a quality spinner and that can go against them. Cottoy and Hafeez have to roll their arms over. Sheldon Cottrell and Rayad Emrit with 11 wickets each will also be crucial elements. Brathwaite’s form with the bat has been horrendous, but last time, the all-rounder notched a match-winning half-century over TKR. He also got a three-fer in the last match.

Probable XI

Mohammad Hafeez, Evin Lewis, Shamarh Brooks, Laurie Evans, Devon Thomas (wk), Carlos Brathwaite (C), Fabian Allen, Keron Cottoy, Dominic Drakes, Rayad Emrit, Sheldon Cottrell

Trinbago Knight Riders

The Knight Riders have missed Sunil Narine, who is injured. It’s not known whether he’ll play the next game or not. Khary Pierre has been economical, but has only eight wickets to show for his efforts. The idea to open the batting with Javon Searles and James Neesham have faltered miserably as well. Colin Munro and skipper Kieron Pollard’s role in the middle will be of prime importance.

Darren Bravo has been reasonable and he’ll have a massive role to play along with Denesh Ramdin. Neesham conceded 68 runs the last time he bowled against the Patriots and he’ll look to make amends. It was also his birthday and it was a nightmare. Ali Khan and Chris Jordan have economy rates of over nine and that’s a matter for concern for TKR. Munro can also roll his arms over.

Probable XI

Lendl Simmons, Javon Searles, Colin Munro, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard (C), James Neesham, Chris Jordan, Akeal Hosein/Sunil Narine, Khary Pierre, Ali Khan