Last Updated on 1 week by Charbel Coorey

CPL 2019 Eliminator 1: SKTNP vs TKR Preview Dream11. Dream11 Team for SKTNP vs TKR. Possible Playing XI. Pitch Report. Dream11 Prediction

After 30 matches in cricket’s biggest party, the CPL 2019 playoffs are set to kick off in Guyana.

Specifically, it kicks off as a battle between redemption and experience. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who have never won a CPL tournament, will be out to gain revenge. After all, Trinbago Knight Riders have been their nemesis the past two seasons, with the current back-to-back champions ending STKNP’s dream in both 2017 and 2018.

STKNP have a great chance to get one better over their nemesis this time around. The Knight Riders, who finished top of the league in each of their two triumphs, crawled into the playoffs this time around with five straight losses in completed matches. However, the most successful team in CPL history have the chance to peak at the right time, and if they hit their best form now, the remaining teams better watch out.

Key to a STKNP win

The Patriots have enjoyed quite the escapes in CPL 2019, with one coming against today’s opponents in a thriller. With just one batsman (Evin Lewis) in the top 10 run-scorers of CPL 2019, STKNP’s middle-lower order has stepped up in times of need to deliver crucial wins.

In the big games, though, Carlos Brathwaite’s team need to ensure he and the likes of Fabian Allen can look to finish the innings well, rather than rescue it. After missing out on the top two, the Patriots have no room for error, putting onus on the likes of Lewis, Mohammad Hafeez and Shamarh Brooks to deliver the goods up front.

Also, in one of the most incredible wins, the Patriots enjoyed another amazing escape in their last league game. Dominic Drakes, son of Vasbert, delivered a fine over under pressure to seal the Patriots’ entry into the playoffs. Indeed, the number of pressure situations the Patriots have found themselves in can hold them in good stead, and if the likes of Sheldon Cottrell can deliver early scalps – particularly Lendl Simmons – they could well be on their way to the next match.

Key to a TKR win

After four straight wins to kick off CPL 2019, TKR’s campaign hit a wall in their thrilling meeting against today’s opponents. That was the first of five straight losses in completed matches, with the poor form of St Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs to thank for sneaking into the playoffs.

The batting has not fired in recent times as many know it can. In Lendl Simmons, Colin Munro, Kieron Pollard and Jimmy Neesham, TKR possess the experience many sides crave, and it is now that they need to click. Simmons has been superb in topping the run-scoring chart, but needs more effective support from his top order mates in paving the way for the middle order to build on.

Also, can TKR’s bowlers deliver the goods? The Patriots’ top order has shown a tendency to stumble throughout the CPL 2019, so the opportunity for early wickets is there. Can the experienced Chris Jordan be the man who delivers in the powerplay, especially if Sunil Narine remains troubled with his finger injury? Then, can the TKR attack work as a unit to stop the Patriots’ capable middle-lower order better than they did earlier this season?

Also read: Are SKTNP and TKR just making up the numbers behind Guyana Amazon Warriors?

Possible Playing 11

SKTNP: 1. Mohammad Hafeez, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Shamarh Brooks, 4. Laurie Evans, 5. Devon Thomas (wk), 6. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 7. Fabian Allen, 8. Keron Cottoy, 9. Dominic Drakes, 10. Rayad Emrit, 11. Sheldon Cottrell

TKR: 1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Sunil Narine/Javon Searles, 3. Dinesh Ramdin (wk), 4. Colin Munro, 5. Darren Bravo, 6. Kieron Pollard (c), 7. Jimmy Neesham, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Kharry Pierre, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Akeal Hosein

Pitch and Conditions

There is a chance of a passing evening shower in Guyana. The average first innings score at Providence in CPL 2019 is 157. Similar scores can be expected in a pressure game on a slightly slow pitch.

Stats and Facts

• The team batting first has won three of the five matches at Providence in CPL 2019.
• Lendl Simmons (378) and Kieron Pollard (300) are first and fifth respectively in the CPL 2019 run-scoring chart.
• SKTNP have just one batsman in the top 10 run-scorers (Evin Lewis – 256).
• Sheldon Cottrell and Rayad Emrit are both in the top 10 wicket-takers in CPL 2019 (11 each).
• Devon Thomas has scored just 36 runs in his last seven innings.
• Carlos Brathwaite was the star earlier this season vs TKR. His 30-ball 64 helped The Patriots get to a Super Over, of which he then hit 17 runs and conceded just five runs.

Also read: Are SKTNP and TKR just making up the numbers behind Guyana Amazon Warriors?

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

A very difficult match to predict. The result could depend on Sunil Narine’s availability, given his importance as an all-round weapon. However, St Kitts are playing with far greater consistency, and might just have enough in them to beat a TKR side that has struggled for form recently.

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