*THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH 8- ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS VS GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Finally a game is what we witnessed after four no results with disappointment all around. The Talhawahs came on top of the Kitts and are over the moon. The St Kitts with a tight and packed schedule waiting in the wings will be eager to bounce back in style as they look to get their first win of the tournament after three forgettable results in the tourney so far.
Though Rayudu batting at possibly the best position that could be offered to him departed for a duck, I feel like it’s only time before he gets in his real groove where he pounces on the opposition with his impactful cameos that he’s famous for. The Kitts would need a fair sense of impetus from the veteran that Rayudu is in order to avoid a humiliating loss like last time where they were toppled with convinction by the Talhawahs.
If the weather stays in place without much interruption, we could see a full fledged enthralling game on our cards where both teams would be keen upon getting off the blocks.
*ST KITTS PROBABLE XI:*
Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher, Dewald Brevis, Ambati Rayudu, Corbin Bosch, Sherfane Rutherford, George Linde, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Dominic Drakes, Yannic Cariah
Brevis is very talented and his rising stocks in T20 leagues is a testimony to how good he’s been and how rapidly he is evolving as a cricketer. He’s got a fair and classy game vs spin and pace and this is one aspect of his batting that goes well for him. He has batted well in this part of the world and the youngster would like to keep this going, in the best manner possible.
Sheldon Cottrell was taken away for 27 runs in just the 12 balls that he bowled but his impressive looking bowling the other day, in a rain affected game, was worth seeing. The left armer would bank upon that promise and should look to put the likes of Hope and Hemtyer under pressure. If he keeps it short to Hetmyer, he can gain success and to put the technically sound Hope under the scanner, there’s requirement of sticking to one line and length and making the most of that patch.
*GUYANA WARRIORS PROBABLE XI:*
Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Shai Hope, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azam Khan, Matthew Nandu, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir, with his wily leg spin could be a dangerous pick on this wicket that offers some spin. The South African born has become old but he has not lost his touch as an expert of the game. It only makes sense why the Guyana Warriors would bank upon him to get rid of powerhouses like Fletcher and Evin Lewis and Devald Brevis.
Shimron Hetmyer, who’s known for his range hitting and his quick game vs pace will be eager to make a mark again. The southpaw could be targeted by the spin of George Linde as the former struggles against spin early on in his innings. If he’s able to negate this threat, we could see the aggresive batter who enjoyed a fantastic run in MLC and the IPL, to shine and our score the others around.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR ST KITTS:*
Highest run getter- Evin Lewis/Andre Fletcher
Highest wicket taker- George Linde/Sheldon Cottrell
*FOR GUYANA WARRIORS:*
Highest run getter- Shai Hope/Shimron Hetmyer
Highest wicket taker- Imran Tahir/Romario Shephered
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Guyana to win