The defending champion Trinbago Knight Riders and the last year’s runners-up Saint Lucia Kings will take on each other on 14 September, in the first semi-final of the Caribbean Premier League 2021 at the Warner Park in St Kitts.
While Trinbago topped the points table after defeating St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by four wickets, Saint Lucia are coming to this fixture following an eight-wicket defeat to bottom-placed Barbados Royals.
Saint Lucia were without Faf du Plessis in the last game. Du Plessis suffered a groin injury just before the Barbados match and Andre Fletcher captained the side in his absence. He is expected to be back in action.
However, Saint Lucia may still retain Rahkeem Cornwall in the line-up. Cornwall made 26-ball 40 against Barbados with five fours and two sixes. If that happens, du Plessis will demote himself at No. 3.
Roston Chase has been the pillar of Saint Lucia’s success this season. He, along with David Wiese will be key for the side with both bat and ball. Jeavor Royal is their leading wicket-taker, with 12 scalps at an economy rate of 6.75.
Trinbago have won five out of their last seven games. They are well ahead on paper. Ravi Rampaul and Sunil Narine will be in focus. However, their batters have been inconsistent this season. Colin Munro has the most runs, but at an ordinary strike rate of 99.
Still, they are likely to make one change from their winning combination, bringing in Narine for Isuru Udana. Kieron Pollard, who smashed 22-ball 51 against St Kitts and Nevis in their last encounter, will be looking to carry the form going.
Probable XIs
Trinbago Knight Riders: Kieron Pollard (c), Denesh Ramdin (wk), Lendl Simmons, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo, Tim Seifert, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Ravi Rampaul.
Saint Lucia Kings: Faf du Plessis (c), Andre Fletcher (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Tim David, David Wiese, Alzarri Joseph, Wahab Riaz, Keemo Paul, Jeavor Royal, Mark Deyal.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet on Trinbago. They are in red-hot form. Still, appoint Chase as captain for his all-round ability.
– Pick Fletcher ahead of Tim Seifert, and Denesh Ramdin among wicket-keepers.
– Include all three Trinbago seamers Jayden Seales, Ali Khan and Rampaul.
Prediction
Trinbago should win this contest.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Roston Chase (C), Sunil Narine, Andre Fletcher, Faf du Plessis, Mark Deyal, Tim David, Kieron Pollard, David Wiese, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Ravi Rampaul.
