CPL 2019: St Lucia Zouks vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, Match 22, Gros Islet: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

St Lucia Zouks will take on table-toppers Guyana Amazon Warriors with a bit of an oomph about them, following their impressive victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Tuesday, September 24.

The Zouks eased past St Kitts and Nevis by 20 runs in what was a team performance. There were starring roles for Andre Fletcher and Hardus Viljoen, but most pleasing for the Zouks will be the performance of their captain Darren Sammy, who rewinded time with his 19-ball 30 that helped post 165/6. Viljoen and Kesrick Williams then returned 3 wickets apiece to keep St Kitts and Nevis to 145/9.

It was just their second victory of CPL 2019, but the Zouks, for all their troubles in the off-season, have been decent. That said, they could have done with their next clash being against a side less daunting that Guyana, who have been a juggernaut this tournament. They have played six, won six, and are enjoying a fine view from the top of the table – even the defending champions, Trinbago Knight Riders, have fallen short of them, losing one to sit at No.2.

The Zouks, meanwhile, are at No.5, and know that a victory can massively boost their chances of making the knockouts, especially with Jamaica Tallawahs and Barbados Tridents’ iffy form, to say the least. The tournament is entering the business end, and things are getting heated up. This should be a fine clash, if the Zouks can throw up a surprise.

Head to head

Over the years, Guyana and St Lucia (Stars, previously) have contested in 12 matches. Guyana hold the advantage in the rivalry, with eight victories in those matches. However, last year, St Lucia did get one over Guyana, and the home will be for a repeat.

Key players

Brandon King (Guyana Amazon Warriors): Guyana have been absolutely superb this season, and Brandon King has played a big role in that. He has scored 194 runs in just six matches from top of the order, and though he has just two half-centuries, he has been consistent in giving them starts. He will be a key wicket for the Zouks.

Rahkeem Cornwall (St Lucia Zouks): He may not have been at his best against St Kitts and Nevis, but he is the Zouks’ top-scorer with 178 runs in 7 matches, and given he can chip in with the wickets, he is an immeasurable asset to the Zouks. If he starts firing, Guyana will have to watch out.

Likely XIs

St Lucia Zouks: Andre Fletcher (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Colin Ingram, Colin de Grandhomme, Andre McCarthy, Chris Barnwell, Darren Sammy (c), Hardus Viljoen, Kesrick Williams, Fawad Ahmed, Jeavor Royal.

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

Prediction

As good as Zouks must be feeling, Guyana just have too much for them. Their winning streak will continue.