Barbados Royals are all set to host Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Friday.
The Royals have been unbeaten in CPL 2024, having won three games in a row. Both the batting and bowling quarters have fired well for the team. Almost every player has pitched in with crucial performances, which bodes well for the Barbados side as they aim for the top spot in the standings.
Quinton de Kock has been a stand-out at the top of the order and has been ably assisted by the other batters. Alick Athanaze was crucial in the Royals’ last win, while Dunith Wellalage was the star in the win against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
The bowling brigade also has been solid. Obed McCoy and Jason Holder have been impressive with their pace, scalping nine wickets between them. However, Maheesh Theekshana has been the pick of the lot and the Royals’ most economical bowler.
Keshav Maharaj and David Miller started in the Royals' last game and showed their class. They could be the game-changer against Trinbago.
Both sides have met 23 times in the past. The Knight Riders have the stronger head-to-head record, winning 14 of the fixtures, as opposed to the Royals' nine victories.
OPPONENT WATCH
Trinbago, the four-time champions, have won twice and lost once in CPL 2024 so far. However, the team has some of the biggest names of the T20 format in their squad. Most are established match-winners, right from captain Kieron Pollard to Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell.
TKR’s bowling department is led by the formidable Narine, who has already picked six wickets. He is assisted by Afghanistan's Waqar Salamkheil, who has also dismissed six.
In the batting department, Keacy Carty and Pooran lead the charts. Pollard's explosive 52* of 19 won them the match against St Lucia Kings and he would be looking to roar against the Royals too.
MATCH DETAILS
CPL 2024, Match 15: Barbados Royals vs Trinbago Knight Riders
Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Date & Time: September 13, 7:00 PM local time | 4:30 AM IST (September 14)
Where to watch: Star Sports Network and FanCode
ROYALS TO WATCH
Quinton de Kock: The South African has won the Player of the Match in two of the three matches so far. He has scored 154 runs with a magnificent strike rate of 175. His unbeaten 87 against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons was the game-winner. If he continues his form, the Trinbago bowlers will have their task cut out.
Jason Holder: Holder is one of the most seasoned players of CPL, and Barbados' highest wicket-taker last season - 17. His maturity on the field is apparent, as he ably guides the younger brigade. He has taken four wickets with an economy of 7.97 in CPL 2024 and would be crucial in thwarting Trinbago’s solid batting line-up.
FULL SQUADS
Barbados Royals: Rovman Powell (captain), Alick Athanaze, Kevin Wickham, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Nathan Sealy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Quinton de Kock, Rivaldo Clarke, Dunith Wellalage, Isai Thorne, Kadeem Alleyne, Maheesh Theekshana, Naveen-ul-Haq, Nyeem Young, Obed McCoy, Ramon Simmonds, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj
Trinbago Knight Riders: Kieron Pollard (captain), Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, Waqar Salamkheil, Terrance Hinds, Keacy Carty, Shaqkere Parris, Jason Roy, Andries Gous, Josh Little, Nathan Edward