CPL 2019: Barbados Tridents vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, Match 19, Bridgetown: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors will clash for the second time in CPL 2019 on Sunday, September 22 in Bridgetown, with their campaigns since their clash four days into the tournament going in different directions.

It was the Tridents’ tournament-opener, and it was a horrendous one, as far as they were concerned. Guyana thumped them by 47 runs, with the Tridents batsmen crumbling for 131 runs in a chase of 181, with Romario Shepherd starring with four wickets.

Since then, the Tridents’ batting has improved a fair bit. In three matches thereafter, there has been scores of 186/2 and 172/6 – the 140/9 against bottom-placed Jamaica Tallawahs was an aberration. However, with two victories and as many defeats in four matches, it’s time for the Tridents to shift gears in the tournament, and the clash against Amazon provides an opportunity to revive the campaign against whom they started it.

That, however, is easier said than done. Guyana has been in impeccable form this time around. They have won all of their five matches, and most of them have been highly dominant ones – their net run-rate of 1.95 is testament to that.

For all the Tridents need to step it up, they couldn’t have asked for more difficult opponents.

Head to head

There have been 12 clashes between these sides over the years. Guyana historically holds the upper hand – they have eight victories to the Tridents’ four. One of those four victories for Barbados came last year, though, and they’ll be hopeful of a repeat.

Key players

JP Duminy (Barbados Tridents): The South African all-rounder’s middle-order runs have been crucial for the Tridents. His 43* was key in the victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and his 31 against Jamaica took a floundering total to the 140s. If he fires, the Tridents might just be able to pull it off against Guyana.

Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana Amazon Warriors): The youngster has been a big presence for Guyana this campaign. There’s been two good knocks so far – the 44 against Jamaica, and 70* against the Patriots earlier on. With Nicholas Pooran struggling, Hetmyer has picked up the load of run-scoring, and he’s doing well.

Likely XIs

Barbados Tridents: Johnson Charles, Justin Greaves, JP Duminy, Jonathan Carter, Ashley Nurse, Jason Holder (c), Raymon Reifer, Joshua Bishop, Leniko Boucher, Josh Lalor, Sandeep Lamichhane

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Brandon King, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shoaib Malik (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Chris Green, Qais Ahmed, Imran Tahir, Odean Smith

Prediction

Guyana seem an unstoppable force – expect them to win their sixth straight match.