CPL 2019: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs St Lucia Zouks, Match 13, Basseterre: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots take on St Lucia Zouks in the second match of the double-header on Sunday, September 15, and at the outset, it’s a hard one to call. While the Zouks got off to their first win against Jamaica Tallawahs three days back, St Kitts have lost 4 of their 5 matches, and second from bottom in the table.

Given the peculiarities of the league table, St Kitts have played two more matches than the Zouks. They head into this game on the back of a seven-wicket mauling at the hands of Guyana Amazon Warriors, but the curious thing about this St Kitts side is that their one victory came in a record chase against the Tallawahs – they chased down a 242-run target with 7 balls to spare.

The quality is evidently there. But it’s the consistency that’s gone abegging. The heroes of the victory over Tallawahs all went messing against Guyana, with the 25-ball 34 scored by Shamarh Brooks the highest score of the innings. Captain Carlos Brathwaite has to stand up and take some responsibility for that – he himself has had a poor tournament so far, with 1 wicket and 6 runs in 5 matches. He has to make sure to turn things around, starting with himself.

The Zouks, meanwhile, got a confidence-boosting win against Tallawahs in their last match, and will look to build on that against another side lumbering along. Rahkeem Cornwall showed how devastating he can be on his day with a 30-ball 75, and if the rest of the line-up can pitch in a bit, they could go a long way in a tournament that they started in less than ideal circumstances.

Head to head

In 8 clashes overall, St Kitts hold the upper hand – they have won 4 to St Lucia’s 2. Given that St Lucia last beat St Kitts in 2016, history favours St Kitts, but recent form suggests it’s the Zouks game to lose.

Key players

Carlos Brathwaite (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots): As captain, Carlos Brathwaite needs to do more. He has been unable to inspire himself into form – his highest score in 5 matches this tournament has been 3, and he has all of 1 wicket with the ball. He needs to improve his own form, and his team will follow suit.

Rahkeem Cornwall (St Lucia Zouks): Cornwall is a stellar young player. His 75 against Jamaica was preceded by two important knocks of 33 and 36, and thought he is yet to contribute significantly with the ball, he still can chip in when needed. He is booming with confidence, having made his Test debut recently, and is one to watch out for.

Likely XIs

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Devon Thomas (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Laurie Evans, Jason Mohammed, Shamarh Brooks, Dominic Drakes, Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite (c), Alzarri Joseph, Rayad Emrit, Sheldon Cottrell

St Lucia Zouks: Andre Fletcher (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, John Campbell, Colin de Grandhomme, Darren Sammy (c), Roland Cato, Thisara Perera, Kesrick Williams, Obed McCoy, Hardus Viljoen, Fawad Ahmed

Predictions

The Zouks, riding on confidence, to build on their victory and make it two in a row.