The defending champions and most successful team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Trinbago Knight Riders, who finished at the top of the table will lock horns with Saint Lucia Kings in the 1st semi-final of the 9th edition of the CPL.
Trinbago Knight Riders, led by experienced all-rounder Kieron Pollard once again managed to finish on the top of the table by defeating St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 4 wickets in their last match of the group stages. While St. Lucia Kings just managed to edge the two-time champions Jamaica Tallawahs by two points to finish in the top four.
With the likes of the tournament’s highest run-getters Roston Chase and Faf du Plessis in the Lucia Kings side, can Andre Fletcher and Co. overhaul the 4-times champions? Or will Trinbago Knight Riders prove too hot?
Hold on to your 👒🎩 ladies and gentlemen as we take on @SaintLuciaKings in a rip-roaring #CPL21 #SemiFinal! #WeAreTKR #TrinbagoKnightRiders pic.twitter.com/GRzvHq6E5l
— Trinbago Knight Riders (@TKRiders) September 14, 2021
Match toss time: 09:30 Local (19:00 IST)
Match start time: 10:00 Local (19:30 IST)
Match venue: Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts
Head to Head
Matches played: 19, Trinbago Knight Riders: 14, St. Lucia Kings: 3, N/R: 2
Weather conditions
The conditions are not well in favor of cricket as light showers are expected to play a guest role. However, the showers are expected to be momentary and nothing that threatens the outcome of the event. The temperature is expected to be hovering the 29-25 degrees Celsius and the humidity at the peak is likely to touch the 60% mark.
Pitch report
The pitch still looks excellent for batting as we saw teams being able to notch up in excess of 160 runs consistently. However, with the conditions being overcast and the pitch now being overworked, we feel the spinners could have a say in the middle-overs.
The team winning the toss should be looking to bat first and let the scoreboard pressure take over the chasing side. Any total above the 170 range is likely to put the team chasing in a spot of bother.
Team News
Knight Riders have not reported any injury concerns and they are likely to play the same Xl that took the field in their last game of the group stage against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. As per reports, Sunil Narine is yet to recover from his injury and it looks very unlikely for the 33-year old to make it to the final cut.
Saint Lucia Kings are heavily dependent on their batsmen and for that reason, the availability of former South African skipper Faf du Plessis will hold the key in this match-up. They would be hoping he recovers in time for the all-important semi-final.
Probable playing Xl
Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR): Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Colin Munro, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard (c), Tim Seifert, Isuru Udana, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Ravi Rampaul
Saint Lucia Kings (SLK): Andre Fletcher (C) (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Faf du Plessis/ Mark Deyal, Roston Chase, Tim David, Kadeem Alleyne, David Wiese, Keemo Paul, Wahab Riaz, Alzarri Joseph, Jeavor Royal
Must-picks
The tournament’s highest run-getter Roston Chase has been in exemplary form with both the bat and ball and he is a must-have in your team. While Faf du Plessis too has been among the runs and is the third-highest run-getter in this edition despite missing out on a game.
St. Lucia Kings skipper Andre Fletcher and his opponent skipper Kieron Pollard too could add great value to your fantasy line-up especially considering their form in the last couple of matches.
Key stats
# Roston Chase (SLK) is the highest run-getter in the tournament with 367 runs at an incredible average of 52.43.
# Ravi Rampaul (TKR), with 18 wickets is currently the joint highest wicket-taker with Romario Shepherd of Amazon Warriors. Given his current form, he is likely to finish the tournament as the leading wicket-taker.
# Lucia Kings have only managed to win 3 matches out of 19 matches played against Knight Riders, which stands to be the worst head-to-head record in the history of the tournament.
TKR vs SLK fantasy team
Captain and vice-captain picks
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