Cricket Predictions T20 CPL 2020

Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 23rd Match Prediction

2.09.2020, 19:30 IST

Brian Lara Stadium (Tarouba)

It’s the top dogs versus the minnows. David versus Goliath. The giants versus the underdogs. One team is yet to lose a match, while the other has lost all but one. Of course, as cricket never stops showing us, rankings mean close to nothing on the right (or wrong, depending on which side you’re on) day. This fact is compounded by the T20 format, and Trinbago Knight Riders would do well to be wary of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots no matter how much of a pushover they’ve seemed this season. A wounded tiger is often more aggressive, and the Knight Riders have as of late shown some chinks in their nevertheless formidable armour. The Patriots may have lost 6 matches, but they do have a highly improbable yet present chance of magicking themselves into the coveted playoffs. Before the polar opposites meet on the magnetic field, let’s take a good look at them.

Trinbago Knight Riders Preview & Form

The only fear one has when on an unbeaten run is, well, getting jinxed with a defeat, and following with a subsequent collapse in form. That is just about the only woe in the minds of TKR players at the moment. The Knight Riders have been the complete team this season, winning not only easy matches but also matches that looked all but lost. With maestros of all sorts, it will indeed be a difficult task to beat this team. In their last match, they looked a cut above a decent but average Tallawahs, and chances are, they will make a similar result out of their match against the Patriots.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Preview & Form

At the bottom of the barrel for a while now, the Patriots have not made use of any of their many chances to close out matches that they were in a fighting position in. Now, with 3 games left (2 of which are against the Knight Riders) and only a miraculous advance possible, Rayad Emrit’s men are the definition of backs against the wall. With absolutely nothing to lose, a win now would at least mean they can exit the tournament with their heads held a little higher. Sure, the closest they came to beating TKR in their last 5 matches was a tie, but if Ben Dunk and Chris Lynn can turn on their PSL form, they might be able to manage such a feat.

Match Prediction

Given the ease with which they are topping the league, good performances from TKR players should come as no surprise. Expect Colin Munro and Sunil Narine to come into bat charging, while Khary Pierre and Ali Khan bowl their best.

The Patriots, with one foot in the grave, will no doubt be trying all they can to extend their failing campaign. Expect Rayad Emrit to lead by example with the ball alongside Sheldon Cottrell, while Evin Lewis and Ben Dunk do the damage bat-wise.