Match 2 of the Caribbean Premier League 2021 will see Barbados Royals taking on St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, on Thursday, 26 August. The Patriots finished at the bottom of the points table last year, and the Royals just above them.
The Royals’ batting unit failed them last season, with only Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles aggregating more than 200 runs. However, the arrival of Glenn Phillips will be a big boost for them. Phillips was signed as a replacement for Chris Morris, who withdrew from the tournament.
The Royals have also roped in Jake Lintott, who played an instrumental role for Southern Brave in their successful quest for The Hundred. Mohammad Amir and Oshane Thomas will lead the pace attack, with Jason Holder and Rayman Reiffer as extra options.
The Royals need their batters to perform more consistently. Shai Hope had a horrible campaign last year, where he managed 118 runs in 10 matches. He is likely to lose his place as an opener after Phillips' arrival.
The Patriots have replaced Rayad Emrit with Dwayne Bravo as captain. Their batting unit will be bolstered by the arrival of Chris Gayle and Fabian Allen.
However, they will be missing the service of Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje, both of whom will be engaged in international fixtures. Paul van Meekeren has been signed as Nortje’s replacement.
Evin Lewis will open the innings with Gayle, while Joshua Da Silva is likely to be promoted up the order. Emrit and Sheldon Cottrell will be their main pacers. They also have Asif Ali, the explosive Pakistani middle-order batter. A lot was expected from Asif last year when he played for Jamaica Tallawahs, but he could not live up to the billing.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Among wicketkeepers, pick both Charles and Da Silva.
- Lewis, Phillips and Sherfane Rutherford are must-haves for your fantasy team.
- Pick Holder and Allen as two all-rounders for your team.
Probable XI:
Barbados Royals: Jason Holder (c), Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (wk), Azam Khan, Glenn Phillips, Thisara Perera, Raymon Reifer, Hayden Walsh Jr., Ashley Nurse, Mohammad Amir, Oshane Thomas
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Dwayne Bravo (c), Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Ravi Bopara, Asif Ali, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Sheldon Cottrell, Fawad Ahmed, Fabian Allen, Rayad Emrit
Prediction:
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots should start the campaign on a winning note.