CPL 2016, Match 3 Preview: Trinbago Knight Riders meet confident Barbados Trident

Last year’s finalists Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents will take on each other at Queens Park Oval, Trinidad tomorrow. The Knight Riders had a very bad start to their title defence after losing their tournament opener to St Lucia Zouks. They must have got an idea of the kind of challenges that lie ahead for them after getting stunned with a six-wicket loss.

The Barbados Trident, the runners-up in the last season, will be raring to go. They have the perfect balance of hard-hitter and accumulators in their batting department. The bowling attack looks little weak in comparison to the opposition.

Trinbago Knight Riders:

The squad will remain same most-likely as a single loss won’t instigate them to opt for changes. Dwayne Bravo will hope for the likes of Brendon McCullum, Hashim Amla and Colin Munro to fire. The bowling department underperformed last game.

Darren Bravo’s had  a great outing in the previous game. Barring Sunil Narine, none of the bowlers could have a big impact. Kevon Cooper was economical but went wicketless. A much better performance will be expected from Ronsford Beaton and Sulieman Benn as well. The skipper himself should try to be more miserly with the ball.

Probable XI:

Brendon McCullum, Hashim Amla, Colin Munro, DM Bravo, Umar Akmal (WK), DJ Bravo (C), Kevon Cooper, Sunil Narine, Nikita Miller, Ronford Beaton, Sulieman Benn

Also, read – MoneyBall9 Fantasy guide: CPL 2016, Match 3 – TKR v BT

Barbados Tridents:

The inclusion of modern maverick AB de Villiers is the greatest advantage they have this season. He has always proved to be a major difference. The batting department has wonderful local names in its ranks. Stevan Taylor and Kyle Hope are expected to open for the side.

The middle order looks very explosive in the presence of de Villiers, Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard. The young attacking wicket keeper batsman Nicholas Pooran also adds power to the batting department. All-rounders Wayne Parnell and Jason Holder add depth.

Ravi Rampaul and David Wiese will be at the helm of the bowling attack. The spin responsibilities will be on either of Akeal Hosein, Ashley Nurse or Robin Peterson, depending who makes the cut.

Probable XI:

Stevan Taylor, Kyle Hope, AB de Villiers, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Wayne Parnell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein/Ashley Nurse/Robin Peterson, Davis Wiese, Ravi Rampaul

Match timings:

Match starts at 2am (Local); 6.30 am (India).

Stats:

• Knight Riders and Tridents have a 3-3 head-to-head record with a 2-0 advantage at respective home grounds.
• The last meeting between the two teams was in the final of CPL 2015 when the Knight Riders (T & T Red Steel then) had the better of Tridents by 20 runs.
• Tridents are the best team in the last five overs scoring at 10.13 while Knight Riders are the worst with a rate of 8.43.