CPL DAILY: Holder eyes up Cottrell while Tallwahs plot Warriors revenge

TEDDIE CASTERTON: The Cricketer previews the return of the CPL after a day off, with the highlight being a rematch of one of the games of the tournament

• We need to talk about Shimron

After a day off, we're back into the action in the group phase with a rematch from the match of the tournament so far taking centre stage... 

Who's playing?

GAME ONE: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Barbados Tridents

GAME TWO: Jamaica Tallawahs vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are sitting glumly at the bottom of the table, having lost all of their three games. But it hasn't been for the want of trying, having come close in each of their matches.

They fell seven runs short of victory in their opening game, as debutant Joshua da Silva scored a run-a-ball 41 but was unable to guide his side over the line against their Tuesday opponents Barbados Tridents. Similar heart-break would follow against Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Zouks but there is plenty of evidence to suggest a change in fortunes is around the corner.

While the Tridents have a win to their name, in that nail-biter against the Patriots, they were beaten soundly by the Zouks in a rain-affected seven-wicket defeat before Trinbago Knight Riders had too much for them.

The other match sees a repeat of the match of the tournament so far, with the Warriors taking on the Tallawahs. Over the weekend, the Warriors led by Chris Green defended the lowest total in CPL history of 118, to prevail by 14 runs. That was despite Andre Russell's late salvo, whose half-century presented late hope but was eventually not enough.

Anyone in particular I should watch out for?

With Jason Holder whacking it at one of the highest strike rates of 186.19 in the tournament, it will be interesting to watch him face off against Sheldon Cottrell, the electric left-armer. His blistering bouncers and change of pace will be worth keeping an eye on. He's already run through the top order once before, will he do it again?

Much is predicted of youngster Da Silva and while he delivered with that fine 41, his inability to up the pace of the innings was eventually the Patriots' undoing. Elsewhere as match-ups go watching Chris Lynn try and quell his problems against spin up against Rashid Khan will be a fascinating spectacle.

For Jamaica Tallawahs, they have one of the leading batsmen in the competition in the form of Glenn Phillips. He is followed by the explosive Russell, who can excite and flatter to deceive in equal measure. But there are few better to watch in this shortened format.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman looked to have delivered victory over the Warriors with 3 for 18 and he'll be eager to cause more havoc, pinning down batsmen before taking advantage of any frustration.

Shimron Hetmyer hates to hang around and the contrast between his desire to score quick runs and Mujeeb's tedious off-spin is arguably the head-to-head battle of the contest.

^{Mujeeb is planning to cause more problems for the Warriors}

Predictions?

Just like in the first meeting, Barbados Tridents are favourites to beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Guyana Amazon Warriors to pile on the pain against Jamaican Tallawahs.

Where can I watch both games?

Sky Sports have the rights in the UK and are promising to show all 33 CPL fixtures on their various platforms.

Will thunderstorms disrupt again?

Rain is predicted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, but it will mostly be cloudy throughout the day. There shouldn't be too much of a delay throughout the games, and with some sunny spells, leading to enough play for two results.

The Cricketer's coverage of the CPL comes in collaboration with the Caribbean Cricket Podcast