The Caribbean Premier League will have a new champion when the last season’s runner-up Saint Lucia Kings will go up against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on 15 September, in the final of the season at Warner Park.
There is still no update on the availability of Faf du Plessis, who missed Saint Lucia’s last two games due to a groin injury. But they have found their new hero in David Wiese in the absence of him.
In the semi-final against Trinbago Knight Riders, Wiese took his sixth five-for in the T20 cricket – singularly most in this format – to help the side clinch a 21-run win. He also played a breezy knock, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 21 balls.
Roston Chase is one of the contenders for the Player of the tournament. He has been in a rich vein of form with both bat and ball this season. Tim David, who has aggregated 272 runs so far at a strike rate of 149 in his debut campaign, will be in focus again.
St Kitts and Nevis, on the other hand, boast a formidable batting unit, featuring Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford and Fabian Allen. Lewis has been particularly in terrific form, having struck two blistering unbeaten knocks – first 52-ball 102, and then 39-ball 77 – in his last two innings.
Moreover, Dwayne Bravo has returned to action after being sidelined from the midway stage of the season due to an injury. From the bowling perspective, he and Sheldon Cottrell will be key for them.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet on Saint Lucia. Appoint Chase and Wiese as captain and vice-captain respectively. If Lewis falls early, half of their job will be done.
– Mark Deyal struck six sixes and five fours in his 44-ball 78 in the semi-final. Back him again.
– Include Bravo and Allen among all-rounders. Do not ignore Cottrell as well.
Probable XIs
Saint Lucia Kings: Andre Fletcher (c/wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Mark Deyal, Roston Chase, David Wiese, Tim David, Keemo Paul, Kadeem Alleyne, Jeavor Royal, Alzarri Joseph, Wahab Riaz.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Dwayne Bravo (c), Joshua Da Silva (wk), Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen, Dominic Drakes, Sheldon Cottrell, Naseem Shah, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Fawad Ahmed.
Prediction
Expect a tight contest. Perhaps a Saint Lucia win.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Roston Chase (C), David Wiese (VC), Tim David, Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Mark Deyal, Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Sheldon Cottrell, Alzarri Joseph.
