*THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE- ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS VS JAMAICA TALHAWAHS 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
It’s a shame that the CPL has been so much influenced by the rains, causing no results and sometimes the entire match being abandoned without a bowl bowled. In the six matches that have started the season so far, 4 have been affected deeply by rain due to which only two results have come (only the openers and the game that followed it).
There is no chance of rain for the time being in St Kitts. Temperatures will be around 26 degrees Celsius. This kindness shown to us cricket fanatics by weather gods is a huge relief and we should finally be ready for some complete action after the start of this rain marred tourney. The Patriots haven’t had a chance to play any result oriented game. Both their matches have been washed out and they stand third on the table with 2 points from as many games. Let us see what this game has in store for us.
*SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS PROBABLE XI:*
Evin Lewis (c), Andre Fletcher, Ambati Rayudu, Sherfane Rutherford, Joshua da Silva, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Dominic Drakes, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, and Blessing Muzarabani.
Muzarabani and Oshane Thomas operating here on relatively bouncy tracks should be some sight as the Kitts look to get off the mark in style. Their bowling styles are pretty similar in terms of their stride and jump and honestly, I do not see how they won’t make an impact here. They could be a dangerous duo together and how they plan vs King upfront will be very much watchable.
Indian retired players playing in foreign T20 leagues excites me and I’m fascinated to watch Rayudu go about his business for the Kitts as a no3 batter. He is one pick who never plays for records and looks to give his all to the teams interests. His whole career has shown us glimpses of his little impactful cameos here and there and as I feel that the St Kitts should play him a little down (at 5 probably) in order to extract the best out of him.
*JAMAICA TALHAWAHS PROBABLE XI:*
Brandon King (c), Amir Jangoo, Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim, Shamarh Brooks, Raymon Reifer, Kirk McKenzie, Salman Irshad, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, and Nicholas Gordon.
Amir with his pace and accuracy will always be on the radar and one to look out for. When he starts taking his run up, there’s something about his aura as a pacer that draws attention and he would be looking to do just that. Amir didn’t have a chance to prove his mettle and his comeback last game due to rains but today could be his chance.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR ST KITTS:*
Highest run getter- Rayudu/Fletcher
Highest wicket taker- Muzarabani/Oshane Thomas
*FOR JAMAICA:*
Highest run getter- Brandon King/Imad Wasim
Highest wicket taker- Imad Wasim/Mohammad Amir
*FOR THE GAME:*
Jamaica to win