CPL 2020: Match 9, Trinbago Knight Riders versus Barbados Tridents, Preview- Cruising Riders look for hat-trick of victories; Tridents seek a comeback

The Knight Riders have had a sublime run thus far and are comfortably placed at the top of the points table, winning two matches in succession.

Published - 23 Aug 2020, 09:36 IST | Updated - 23 Aug 2020, 09:36 IST

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The Trinbago Knight Riders will clash with the defending champs Barbados Tridents in the 9th encounter of CPL 2020 on Sunday, 23rd August, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The Knight Riders have had a sublime run thus far and are comfortably placed at the top of the points tally after winning two matches in succession. Sunil Narine has been phenomenal for them with his all-round performance in both the games and has scored 103 runs apart from bagging 3 wickets at an economy of just 4.75. With Colin Munro contributing in the last match, the lone concern for the team will be Lendl Simmons’ form.

Placed 4th on the table currently, the Tridents lost a rain-curtailed encounter against St Lucia Zouks after winning their first one. They seem to be missing the services of some of their star performers from the previous seasons who are unavailable due to the COVID havoc.

The Jason Holder-led side has not failed completely, though they will have to gel up as a unit and their batsmen need to deliver. Johnson Charles played with intent in the last outing, however, Shai Hope, Corey Anderson, and Johnathan Carter need to up the ante soon. Skipper Holder has looked in good nick, however, he needs to buck up tactically and should be flexible with his unit. The Tridents have a brilliant asset in the form of Rashid Khan who is not renowned for just his bowling, therefore bringing him in at 10 is strange.

While the Knight Riders will be keen to complete their hat-trick of victories, the Tridents will be seeking a comeback coming into this match after a loss.

Playing Combinations

Trinbago Knight Riders

Lendl Simmons has failed to perform twice in a row and would be desperate to steady himself at the top. His opening pal Narine, on the other hand, has been magnificent with both bat and ball. Colin Munro played a good hand against Jamaica Tallawahs, however, his strike-rate was much lower than what the game demands and what’s expected of him.

Darren Bravo and Kieron Pollard have an indisputable reputation as power-hitters although they both have looked out of touch. The other Bravo has been lukewarm with the ball and has not gotten chances with the bat much like Tim Seifert.

Jayden Seales and Ali Khan have been brilliant with the ball both times whereas Fawad Ahmed has also kept the runs under check. Khary Pierre went wicket-less in the last game but is likely to get another chance.

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

Bench- Amir Jangoo, Tion Webster, Akeal Hosein, Sikandar Raza, Anderson Phillip, Pravin Tambe.

Barbados Tridents

Though Johnson Charles played attacking cricket in the last encounter, he did not get any support from Shai Hope and Corey Anderson. Kyle Mayers had a good outing in his first match, however, he struggled badly and scored 16 runs off 24 against Zouks.

Jason Holder has played two quick-fire knocks consecutively, however, Jonathan Carter has continued to disappoint in the middle-order and he might be replaced by Shamarh Brooks. Raymon Reifer, who has been expensive with the ball twice, has contributed nothing with the bat and will be craving to give a performance.

Both Rashid Khan and Mitchell Santner have been terribly mismanaged by the team and this has hurt the Tridents. Despite performing in the first game, Santner was not given the ball last time. The Kiwi is certain to play after two decent cameos whereas Rashid Khan is a no brainer. Ashley Nurse and Hayden Walsh Jr have not been able to capitalize on the limited chances that have come their way but are expected to play nevertheless.

Predicted XI- Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (WK), Corey Anderson, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder (C), Shamarh Brooks/Jonathan Carter, Raymon Reifer, Mitchell Santner, Ashley Nurse, Rashid Khan, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Bench- Justin Greaves, Joshua Bishop, Nyeem Young, Shayan Jahangir, Keon Harding.