CPL DAILY: Last chance for Patriots and unbeaten Trinbago face Tridents

JACK BUTLER: The Cricketer looks ahead to the next round of matches in the Caribbean Premier League as we reach the second half of the group stage...

All the information as the double-headers continue with a wonderful Saturday of action at the Queen's Park Oval…

Who's playing?

Game One: Barbados Tridents vs Trinbago Knight Riders

Game Two: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Jamaica Tallawahs

First faces third, as the unbeaten Trinbago Knight Riders are up against Barbados Tridents – who now seem in a battle with the Tallawahs and the Warriors for a top-four finish. Trinbago have impressed throughout the tournament; even the loss of Sunil Narine, who has been rested as a precaution, hasn't dampened their spirits. Having won five out of five can they go the whole tournament unbeaten?

Their opponents Tridents are as unpredictable as Trinbago are consistent. A disappointing defeat to bottom of the table St Kitts and Nevis by six wickets was followed by 36 run wins over the Tallawahs, in which Kyle Mayers hit a brutal 85. Barbados will still be confident of a semi-final finish even if, as expected, they fail to get any points against the powerful Trinbago.

The second match of Saturday's double-header sees fifth takes on sixth; it's now or never for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who will see the game against Jamaica Tallawahs as a must-win if they are to scrape into this year's semi-finals. 

St Kitts have struggled so far this year. Comfortably dispatched in their six-wicket defeat to St Lucia Zouks, the issues in the top order remain. Chris Lynn has disappointed, and with Joshua Da Silva now left out of the side the Patriots now rely heavily, if not solely, on Evin Lewis for any sort of total.

Anyone, in particular, I should watch out for?

Trinbago boasts numerous talents at their disposal so it is hard to pick out individuals. Perhaps, Dwayne Bravo's variations, slower balls, and experience is vital at the end of the innings; his immaculate death bowling is always an excellent watch. Likewise, Khary Pierre showed himself to be an exciting acquisition taking 3-18 in Trinbago's seven-wicket victory over Guyana, with some handy but regimented left-arm spin. 

For the Tridents, Carlos Brathwaite was dispatched for 29 runs of one brutal over last time out. Expect a response from the talented West Indian with either bat or ball.

In the later game, Lewis will be expected to make runs; he has 161 so far. Ideally, the power-hitting opener needs some support but more likely is that he will have to do it on his own. Regardless of form, Lynn is a T20 force; he hasn't done it yet, but if a magical innings is on its way, it is most likely to come against the Tallawahs.

For Jamaica, Glen Phillips was out for a duck last time out and will be hoping to return to his previous extraordinary run of form that saw him hit 161 runs in the first four games. 

Bowling wise, if the pitch is turning again then Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane will be brutally destructive. Incredibly, both had an economy of around four in their last game. Expect St Kitts and Nevis batsmen to struggle against their variations - if the Tallawahs start with spin, the Patriots' openers could be in big trouble. 

What a catch this is! 👀#CPL20pic.twitter.com/35phi2PIlZ

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) August 28, 2020

Predictions?

Trinbago remained unbeaten with victory over Tridents. 

Tallawahs to spin to win against struggling St Kitts and Nevis. 

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?

Sunny spells dominate and should lead to two uninterrupted games. A dry surface equals big turn and bounce; low scores and astute spinners might again be the topic of the day.

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

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