CPL 2019, match 1, Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, preview, prediction, likely XIs

The Caribbean Premier League 2019 is about to get underway as the defending CPL champions, Trinbago Knight Riders will be playing the first match against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad on  September 4, 2019.

Trinbago Knight Riders are all set to defend their title and it will be hard to stop them this season as well. Availability of a couple of payers can be concerns for them; Darren Bravo has developed a concussion during the Test match against India and Colin Munro is fulfilling his national duty in Sri Lanka with the New Zealand T20 side. Overall the batting strength of the side is quite impressive with names like Kieron Pollard, Jimmy Neesham, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Bravo, and Sunil Narine in the side. The bowling unit was already quite formidable and now the inclusion of Mohammad Hasnain made the team even stronger. The Riders have all the weapons ready and the focus should be beginning the season with a convincing win.

The Nevis Patriots will not get the service of Chris Gayle this time which is a big disappointment for them. But there is Evin Lewis who has the ability to change the game with the bat. All he needs to do is continue with his good form overcoming the last season’s struggle. Carlos Brathwaite will be another dependable name along with players like Shamarh Brooks, Fabien Allen,  Devon Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell, Mohammad Hafeez, Usama Mir. Alzarri Joseph has replaced Isuru Udana as the latter is busy with international commitments. For the Patriots, the bowlers should be able to restrict the Knight batsmen and the game will be on.

Head to head

There is clear domination of Trinbago Knight Riders over Navis Patriots with 8-3 lead.

Key players

Kieron Pollard (Trinbago Knight Riders)- Pollard has been in a terrific form and will be the most important player for his team to start this season. Bravo’s uncertainty has made the role of Pollard even more vital.

Evin Lewis (St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots)- Lewis is another man in form who has scored runs recently against India. For the Patriots Lewis will be an important player and he has to give them a good start with the bat.

Likely XIs

Trinbago Knight Riders-

Denesh Ramdin (wk), Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard (C), James Neesham, Seekkuge Prasanna, Javon Searles, Khary Pierre, Ali Khan, Anderson Phillip, Mohammad Hasnain

St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots-

Evin Lewis, Devon Thomas (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Jason Mohammed, Carlos Brathwaite (C), Fabian Allen, Aaron Jones, Rayad Emrit, Sheldon Cottrell, Akeem Jordan, Alzarri Joseph

Prediction

Trinbago Knight Riders to win.