*THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2023 MATCH 13: BARBADOS ROYALS VS TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
As we move towards the thirteenth game of the CPL, let us have a close look at the points table.
The hosts of Match 13 have contested in three games and have managed to win just one. What makes matters good for them, however, is that they are coming off a victory against the Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots in an emphatic fashion where the Kitts were toppled with 9 balls to spare in a chase which was nerve wrecking and smooth. All their batters chipped in with vital contributions and did not let the scoreboard pressure get to them. Alot of the teams often crumble just by looking at the score set but same was not the case with Barbados who were inclined heavily towards managing to chase this down and they did so, in style with their skipper who’s at the helm of things, top scoring with a 67 not out.
On the other hand, the TKR are on the receiving end of more or less a similar situation with 3 points up their kitty and one loss to go along with one win. Another uncanny resemblance is the momemtum that is backing them with a win last game vs the same opposition and that too, coming in a chase which Pooran handled in a near perfect fashion, rounding it up with a 32 ball 61 that comprised of 4 massive maximums. Pollard and Russell stepping up with the bat just adds more confidence to this side because when this trio gets going, it’s only “good night and sweet dreams” for the bowler that is on the other end.
This clash is an interesting one because the outfits that are being talked about are more or less on the same level in the tournament so far and a win tomorrow gives them a chance to uplift themselves.
*BARBADOS PROBABLE XI:*
Rahkeem Cornwall, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze (wk), Justin Greaves, Kevin Wickham, Rovman Powell (c), Jason Holder, Roelof van der Merwe, Nyeem Young, Qais Ahmad, Obed McCoy
Taking inspiration from Athanaze’s excellent display of stroke play vs India in the test series on turning tracks, I back him to make a noteworthy contribution in this T20 game on a track which would assist the spinners. He has the right game vs spin and plays bowlers regardless of their angles tremendously well. Watch out for him.
The spin duo of Rahkeem Cornwall and Qais Ahmed are a real treat to watch and a partnership could be in for re taking tomorrow. Other than them, the mastery of Holder on pitches like these where his variations come to the rescue, will be extremely important as Barbados search for their second win in succession.
*TKR PROBABLE XI:*
Martin Guptill, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Chadwick Walton, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Ali Khan, Jayden Seales
Never ever rule out Narine in CPL and infact, in any T20 game for that matter. The veteran has a three-fer backing him and with this surface expected to take turn and shock the batters, we could see the mystery spinner cause alot of pain to the opposition and deceive them. Watch out for his bag of tricks and he could be the man to do damage control vs the likes of Powell and Mayers who are coming off good performances.
Pooran is in scontillating form and both his league and international form would agree that he has been at his destructive best lately- smashing everybody all over the park and not sparing anyone. He has been hitting the ball as hard as the bullet is once it leaves the gun and the southpaw’s form will be vital for TKR if they are to get another win up their sleeves.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR BARBADOS:*
Highest run getter- Athanaze/Kyle Mayers
Highest wicket taker- Qais Ahmed/Obed McCoy
*FOR TKR:*
Highest run getter- Nicholas Pooran/Andre Russell
Highest wicket taker- Sunil Narine/Akeal Hossain
*FOR THIS GAME:*
TKR to win