Barbados Royals vs St Lucia Kings, CPL T20 2022, Today Match Prediction 04 September 2022

br vs sls Match Prediction & Analysis

A strong Royals batting order will be up against a promising bowling attack of Saint Lucia Kings. It is clear that one side has a strong batting lineup with some big names while the other side seems to rely more on its all-rounders for the batting as well. 

Leaving aside a few batsmen, the Saint Lucia Kings seem to have a pretty inexperienced batting lineup. Faf du Plessis, who was drafted and appointed to be captain, hasn't yet joined the Kings' camp. 

Another crucial batsman who could make a world of difference is Tim David. He also did not feature in the Kings playing XI in the last game. Without these two, most of the scoring responsibility lies with Johnson Charles, Mark Deyal, and Roston Chase. 

Barbados Royals, on the other hand, pack great firepower in the top order with Rahkeem Cornwall, Kyle Mayers, and Azam Khan in the top 4. There are many experienced T20 players in every department of the Royals’ squad. 

David Miller’s team will have an edge coming into this match given their recent performance and squad strength.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Barbados Royals Preview

Jason Holder is joined by many newcomers in the Barbados bowling department this season. Whether it is Joshua Bishop and Ramon Simmonds or Corbin Bosch from South Africa, there are more new faces in this bowling attack than before. 

Obed McCoy started this season with an expensive spell in his first innings as he finished with figures of 1 for 41 from 4 overs. He will be a challenge for Miller to deal with as the season progresses since McCoy is known for his inconsistent economy. 

The middle-order batsman from Ireland who’s been one of the most reliable and consistent performers for his team on the international stage, Harry Tector has joined Barbados Royals for CPL 2022.

His presence at number 6 definitely adds depth to this batting lineup. Talking of depth, the former West Indies captain, Jason Holder comes in at number 8 for the Royals making it challenging for the opposition to get through the Royals batting lineup.

In their opening game of the season, Kyle Mayers and Rakheem Cornwall added 64 runs for the first wicket in 38 balls. With Miller coming in at number 4 and 5, we can expect Barbados to cruise to a competitive total whether they bowl or bat first. 

Barbados Royals Predicted Playing XI:

Rahkeem Cornwall, Kyle Mayers, Harry Tector, David Miller (c), Azam Khan, Devon Thomas (wk), Jason Holder, Corbin Bosch, Obed McCoy, Joshua Bishop, Ramon Simmonds

Barbados Royals Actual Playing XI:

Ramon Simmonds, Obed McCoy, Quinton de Kock, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Joshua Bishop, David Miller, Azam Khan, Rahkeem Cornwall, Harry Tector

St Lucia Kings Preview

Roston Chase will need to lead the side from the front in the absence of more batting options to rely on. Chase has played the role of an anchor in the past whether in franchise cricket or on the international stage.

Johnson Charles performs best when he can play his natural game which is an attacking brand of cricket. While this venue may not be ideal for Charles, he will be expected to get Kings off to a flying start before Mark Deyal and Chase come in and build the innings.

While Scott Kuggeleijn is a batting all-rounder who is known for his fast bowling, he doesn’t seem to be a very reliable option in the middle-order. He was out for a golden duck at number 5 against the Knight Riders.

Other all-rounders following Kuggeleijn in the lineup are lesser-known local players who are less likely to be match-finishers for Saint Lucia Kings. 

However, the likes of Alzarri Joseph, Kuggeleijn, Kesrick Williams, and Roston Chase can be mighty impactful with the ball. And if the Kings win the toss and bowl first, these bowlers can put the team on top of the game.

St Lucia Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Johnson Charles (wk), Leroy Lugg, Mark Deyal, Roston Chase (c), Ackeem Auguste, Roshon Primus, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Scott Kuggeleijn, Jeavor Royal, Kesrick Williams

St Lucia Kings Actual Playing XI:

Jeavor Royal, Timothy David, Faf du Plessis, Mark Deyal, David Wiese, Alzarri Joseph, Roshon Primus, Roston Chase, Preston McSween, Johnson Charles, Scott Kuggeleijn

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for Basseterre on Sunday, the match day, is cloudy with a high of 31 degrees Celsius. The pitch is likely to be in favour of the bowlers and it is less likely to be a high-scoring game.

Venue Details

Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts is the venue for this match. Teams batting second have won 37 of 70 domestic T20 games played here with the average 1st innings score being 165 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

Considering the previous records at this venue in both international and domestic T20s, teams winning the toss and opting to bowl first are better placed to win the match. Royals have already won a game comfortably after they opted to bowl first at this venue.