CPL 2020: 1st Semi-final, Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Tallawahs - Preview, Live Streaming, Timings, Predicted XI, Stats, Pitch Report & more

After 22 days of some thrilling and soaking action, the decisive stage of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has finally arrived. The first semi-final will be played between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Jamaica Tallawahs on 8th September, at Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad.

The Riders’ run in this year’s tournament has been exceptional, to say the least. They have remained undefeated after the entire league stage has concluded and have scripted a historical winning streak of 10 matches. However, all of that is a thing of THE past and as the system works, a defeat today will mean a straightforward exit.

The Kieron Pollard-led side has a number of reasons to celebrate given that all of their players have performed dutifully and have contributed to their team’s victory on some or the other occasion. The Riders, with the kind of form they have shown, are the obvious favourites and they will certainly be keen to put their best foot forward to book their spot in the summit clash.

On the other hand, the Tallawahs have been rather lucky to qualify for the semi-finals with only 3 wins in the tournament. The gulf between them and their opponent can well be understood by not just their respective standings in the table but also the margin of 13 points. Furthermore, the two times they have faced Riders in this year’s edition, they have ended up losing the game, once by 7 wickets and then by 19 runs.

The current time in the league is not one where any team would want to be complacent. The Tallawahs would know that it will take quite an effort to stop the unstoppable as with the kind of show the Riders have put up this year, they are the clear favourites.

Pitch and Conditions

A fresh track will be used for the semi-final clash and therefore, the pacers will have some offerings to take apart from the spinners, who have thoroughly dominated the tournament. The new ball will surely move a bit and the batsmen need to circumspect about not losing early wickets.

Playing Combination

Trinbago Knight Riders

Sunil Narine has recovered from his health problems and is expected to open alongside Lendl Simmons. Colin Munro has had a decent season and he will retain his position at No. 3 whereas the team has a number of sturdy players to boast in their middle-order.

Darren Bravo had a quiet run throughout the tournament but he is coming after scoring a decent half-century and he would want to emulate that performance. Tim Seifert and the destructive Kieron Pollard, who has been in brilliant form will be seen playing their role in the middle-order. Dwayne Bravo has not shone with the bat but has continuously bagged wickets. Given his experience in crunch situations, he is a sure entrant.

The Riders have many options to choose from in their bowling unit. Sikandar Raza and Fawad Ahmed have been been in good form whereas Jayden Seales may play ahead of Akeal Hosein. Ali Khan is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Bravo.

Predicted XI- Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (WK), Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard (C), Sikandar Raza, Dwayne Bravo, Ali Khan/Khary Pierre, Fawad Ahmed, Jayden Seales/Akeal Hosein.

Bench- Tion Webster, Amir Jangoo, Pravin Tambe, Anderson Phillip, Ali Khan/Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales/Akeal Hosein.

Jamaica Tallawahs

Glenn Phillips is the leading run-scorer in this year’s tournament and has been amongst the runs right from the start. He could be paired either with Nkumrah Bonner or Jermaine Blackwood as Chadwick Walton has had a terrible season with the bat.

Andre Russell, Asif Ali, and Carlos Brathwaite will form the middle-order alongside skipper Rovman Powell, whereas the choice in the bowlers is only obvious given Sandeep Lamichchane and Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s performance throughout the season.

Fidel Edwards is expected to play, however, the Tallawahs will have to choose between Oshane Thomas and Veerasammy Permaul. The latter has been in good form of late while the former has proven to be expensive and has lacked discipline.

Predicted XI- Glenn Phillips (WK), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Rovman Powell (C), Andre Russell, Asif Ali, Carlos Brathwaite, Sandeep Lamichhane, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fidel Edwards, Veerasammy Permaul/Oshane Thomas.

Bench- Ramaal Lewis, Nicholas Kirton, Ryan Persaud, Preston McSween, Chadwick Walton Veerasammy Permaul/Oshane Thomas.

Head to head

Matches Played- 18 | Trinbago Knight Riders Won- 10 | St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Won- 8

Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 7:30 PM (IST), 10:00 AM (Local).

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2 HD, and Star Sports 1 HD Hindi.

Live Streaming– The match can be streamed online on Fancode.