MoneyBall9 Fantasy guide: CPL 2016, Match 3 - TKR v BT

The MoneyBall9 Fantasy guide of the day is for the CPL 2016 Match 3 between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents.

Jason Mohammed and Dwayne Smith helped Guyana Amazon Warriors script a thrilling victory over the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots by chasing down 165 with one ball to spare.

The Patriots got off to a very bad start in the first innings as Sohail Tanvir got rid of Lendl Simmons upfront. Du Plessis, Hodge and Thomas fought hard to put up a respectable total on board, but 164 was always going to be less on a small-ish Warner Park. For the Warriors, Tanvir bowled impeccably well upfront and during the death overs.

But the small ground and Dwayne Smith’s imperious batting at the top of the order ensured that despite a few hiccups. The Warriors were able to muster a first win.

Moving onto the third game, the Trinbago Knight Riders play for the second time in three days and would be hoping to get a win on board as a loss could mean that they would fall well behind the pack.

They take on one of the favourites of the tournament in Barbados Tridents. Boasting of players like ABD and Pollard, Tridents would be looking to go deep into this tournament and what better way to take on an opponent who has already been humbled early on into the tournament.

But Trinbago are no mere pushovers. They probably have the richest and the most fearsome overseas talent combined with some of the best West Indian T20 players. The first loss should be just a minor blip for them and they’ll be raring to correct that initial stutter with a victory in tomorrow’s game.

Trinbago Knight Riders vs Barbados Tridents:

Batsmen

Hashim Amla is the first batsman that I get in for this game in my MoneyBall9 Fantasy team. He is at the helm of his prowess at this stage of his career and no matter what the pitch is like or how the opponents are, you can always count on him to get runs and fetch you fantasy points.

Darren Bravo is my second pick for this category. His exhilarating batting in the last game and in the penultimate game of the recently concluded tri-series is enough to warrant him a place in my side. Also, the fact that he comes in for just Rs 4500 provides great balance to my team.

Colin Munro is my final pick for this category. Before the tournament I wasn’t very sure of his role in the team or if he will get to play at all. But after watching that he has been trusted with the all important number 4 slot, I get him in! His destructive batting can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of balls and as he will be getting to face at least 30-40 balls, I feel it is worth bringing him in.

Wicketkeeper

Be it Barbados, Johannesbourg or Bangalore, there is one player you just can’t leave out and that is AB de Villiers. Get him in or he could make you pay big time.

All Rounder

This is a straight shootout between Bravo and Pollard. Generally I would go with Bravo but seeing Pollard’s performance in the tri-series and his cost I opt for him.

He has started to bowl once again and will bat higher up the order than Bravo, thereby getting more chance to make a significant contribution with the bat.

Bowlers

Sunil Narine will be the first bowler that I get in for this game. Despite a remodeled action, he has been getting wickets and bowling miserly, something that wasn’t expected when he returned to international cricket in this year’s IPL. Get him in!

Wayne Parnell was very impressive for the Proteas in the tri-series, bowling inch perfect Yorkers in the death overs. He should be employed in a similar role by the Tridents and I expect him to excel at that once again.

Nikita Miller is my third pick in this category and that is mainly because of budget issues. But you should take heart in the fact that he opened the bowling in the last game for the Knight Riders, bowling beautiful left-arm offspinners. Againt a predominantly right handed Tidents side, Miller should be able to get a wicket or two.

Flexible Player

Kevon Cooper is my flexible player for this game. He gave away just 28 runs in the last game and came into bat at number 6 as well. He costs just Rs 4500 and this is a brilliant value pick as he gives you double scoring opportunities at such a low price.

Happy team picking!

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