CPL 2018: Match 1, Match Prediction- Who will win the match, Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Lucia Stars?

The opening match of the tournament between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Stars is a battle between two teams who had contrasting fortunes last season. While TKR are the defending champions, the Stars couldn’t garner a single victory in ten matches. The Knights more or less have the same squad from last season. The team suffered a blow when Shadab Khan was ruled out of the event.

Australian tweaker Fawad Ahmed was roped in as his replacement. Junior Dala also made way for Shannon Gabriel, who has been in tremendous form in Test cricket. The Stars’ batting is expected to be boosted by the inclusion of David Warner and they would be desperate to turn over Dwayne Bravo’s men in the opening encounter at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Pitch

The pitch at Port of Spain hasn’t been an overly high scoring one by any stretch of the imagination. Both sides would want to chase as they would want to decipher the tricks of the track when the opposition bats first. Hence, it won’t spring a surprise if the teams chose to field first. The spinners may play a part in the match and the Knights also won’t mind bowling second.

Team Combination

Trinbago Knight Riders

McCullum and Narine are the opening batsman followed by Colin Munro and hence, there’s no shortage of firepower in the top order. The team has depth in batting with the likes of Javon Searles coming at around number eight. Fawad will partner Narine in the spin department. The Bravo brothers- Darren and Dwayne- also need to play their part. Moreover, Denesh Ramdin’s experience will be crucial.

Predicted XI

Brendon McCullum, Sunil Narine, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Dwayne Bravo (C), Kevon Cooper, Javon Searles, Shannon Gabriel, Fawad Ahmed, Ronsford Beaton

St Lucia Stars

David Warner and Andre Fletcher are the openers and therefore, Simmons may come at number three. With the likes of Cornwall, Pollard and Sammy, the middle-order looks a solid one as well. Mitchell McClenaghan and Rumman Raees are the overseas fast-bowlers. Kesrick Williams and Odean Smith are the Windies pacers. Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmed may also play the encounter.

Predicted XI

David Warner, Andre Fletcher (wk), Lendl Simmons, Rakheem Cornwall, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Kesrick Williams, Mitchell McClenaghan, Odean Smith, Rumman Raees, Qais Ahmad

Probable top performers

Sunil Narine- Trinbago Knight Riders, Andre Fletcher- St Lucia Stars

The prediction is for Trinbago Knight Riders to win the match.