CPL 2019 Qualifier 1, Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Tridents: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Guyana Amazon Warriors will host Barbados Tridents for Qualifier 1 of the 2019 CPL, at Providence Stadium, Guyana, on October 6. Having won all 10 matches in the group stage, Guyana will take field as firm favourites – more so because no other team has won more than 5.

Guyana Amazon Warriors will host Barbados Tridents for Qualifier 1 of the 2019 CPL, at Providence Stadium, Guyana, on October 6. Having won all 10 matches in the group stage, Guyana will take field as firm favourites – more so because no other team has won more than 5.

Not only have Guyana won their 10 matches, they have won most of them comprehensively. They have bowled out their oppositions five times. They have not allowed any team to go past 170. The Guyana bowlers dominate every single bowling chart: they have two of the three leading wicket takers (Imran Tahir and Chris Green); four of the top six averages; and five of the top seven economy rates.

In Tahir, Green, Romario Shepherd, and Qais Ahmed they have the most formidable attack of the tournament. And when needed, Shoaib Malik and Chanderpaul Hemraj have chipped in.

They also have three of the top five run-getters, in Brandon King, Malik, and Hemraj. They often had to chase low targets, which explains their relatively low strike rates. However, even that was sorted out with Nicholas Pooran’s return to form in the last league match.

All in all, the Amazon Warriors justify their unbeaten streak.

What about the Tridents, then? They have won 5 matches out of 10, but that includes 3 in 4 against third-placed St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and fourth-placed Trinbago Knight Riders, losing the other by 1 run.

Barbados’ performance has to do with their bowlers, Hayden Walsh Jr (the leading wicket-taker by a considerable margin), Jason Holder (fourth-most), Harry Gurney (most economical), and Shakib Al Hasan (second-most economical).

Unfortunately, that has been offset by their inability to get off the block. They have crossed 150 only thrice. JP Duminy (136) has been their only batsman to strike at over 125. Apart from Duminy, they have to count on their recent acquisition, Shakib.

Head to head

Guyana have won 9 and lost 4 matches against Barbados. In this season they have won both matches.

Key players

Nicholas Pooran (Guyana Amazon Warriors): While they have the best bowling outfit, Guyana are yet to put up one of those rollicking batting performances. Pooran’s return to form in the last match seems to have answered that.

Shakib Al Hasan (Barbados Tridents): Only 3 matches for Shakib in the tournament so far, but they have included a decisive cameo and figures of 12-1-59-4. He will play a key role here.

Likely XIs

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

Barbados Tridents: Johnson Charles (wk), Alex Hales, Shakib Al Hasan, JP Duminy, Jonathan Carter, Justin Greaves, Raymon Reifer, Jason Holder (c), Ashley Nurse, Hayden Walsh Jr, Harry Gurney.

Prediction

Guyana to win and make it to the final.