CPL 2021, Match 1, Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

The opening match of the 2021 CPL between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders is set to take place on Thursday, August 26. The Knights are led by Kieron Pollard and they are the defending champions.

Last season, they didn’t lose a single match and defeated St Lucia Zouks, now Kings, in the final. The Warriors, on the other hand, have played plenty of finals, but are yet to get their hands on the trophy.

After Chris Green’s departure, Guyana will be captained by Nicholas Pooran, who has been with the team since 2019. Last season, the Knight Riders defeated the Warriors both times.

Match Details

Match – Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders – 1st match

Venue – Warner Park, St Kitts

Time – 07:30 PM IST, 02:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports, Fancode

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Warner Park has generally been a batter’s paradise. In 2019, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots chased down a target in excess of 240 in 18.5 overs. A high-scoring game seems to be on the cards for the opener. Batting second should be the way forward.

Avg first innings score: 182 (5 matches in the CPL 2020 at Warner Park)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 1, N/R – 0, Tied- 1

Playing combinations

Guyana Amazon Warriors

Predicted XI

Brandon King, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Nicholas Pooran (C and WK), Naveen-ul-Haq, Romario Shepherd, Imran Tahir, Kevin Sinclair, Waqar Salamkheil

Bench– Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Anthony Bramble, Odean Smith, Ashmead Nedd

Trinbago Knight Riders

Predicted XI

Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine, Tim Seifert, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Tion Webster, Isuru Udana, Akeal Hosein/Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, Ravi Rampaul/Ali Khan

Bench– Denesh Ramdin, Akeal Hosein/Khary Pierre, Ravi Rampaul/Ali Khan, Leonardo Julien, Anderson Phillip, Yasir Shah

Head-to-head

Overall

Matches- 21, Guyana Amazon Warriors- 9, Trinbago Knight Riders- 12

At Warner Park

Matches- 1, Guyana Amazon Warriors- 0, Trinbago Knight Riders- 1

Probable best batter of the match

Lendl Simmons— Trinbago Knight Riders

Lendl Simmons is arguably the greatest batter the CPL has ever witnessed. The right-hander has notched 2436 runs from 80 innings at an average of 33.83 and a strike rate of 120.41. It was due to his blistering form that the Knights managed an unbeaten run last season. His recent form for the West Indies has been jaw-dropping as well.

Probable best bowler of the match

Sunil Narine — Trinbago Knight Riders

Sunil Narine is a wily customer and has given plenty of batters headaches over the last 10 years or so. In 76 CPL matches, the tweaker has picked up 78 wickets. However, his economy rate of 5.45 is the best among any other regular bowler in the tournament. Not to forget that Narine is a powerful hitter of the ball, especially in the powerplay.

Today’s match prediction: Trinbago Knight Riders to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.