Caribbean T20 League 2024

Match 8: ABF vs TKR

Preview 

Last weekend, the cricketing carnival, better known as the Caribbean T20 League, got underway. Attention now shifts to the key encounter between Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and Trinbago Knight Riders in North Sound. While the Falcons, who are on a losing spree, would want to put an end to it, the Knight Riders will look forward to making good the brilliant beginning.

While the Falcons had a dismal start, losing all four of their games so far, the Knight Riders won their solitary outing this season by a comprehensive 44-run margin over the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, with Nicholas Pooran in brilliant touch.

Though this would appear to be a mismatch of sorts, cricket can sometimes spring up shocking surprises, for on their day any side can win.

Naturally, morale will be low after four straight losses for the Falcons. Captain Chris Green puts in that extra mile to raise spirits and refocus his teammates on the journey of turning their fortunes around.

Thus far, having batted first in each match, the Falcons have had a poor run as far as setting up competitive totals goes. Of all the batsmen, their top scorer, Jewel Andrew has scored 123 runs while Fakhar Zaman has managed a decent 121 runs. The rest of the key batsmen, Sam Billings and Kofi James for instance, have not been in great form, leaving the middle order vulnerable.

While Imad Wasim did give a glimpse of what could have been in a solitary game, Green hasn't exactly fired with the bat. Without these sub-par totals, the required assistance that Mohammed Amir has not been able to generate so far has also been denied to the bowlers.

Off-spinner Chris Green and left-arm orthodox Imad Wasim have managed to contain the opposition, snaring eight wickets between them, while the fast bowlers have been wayward. Shamar Springer, with six wickets from four matches, has been the best of the lot, but even his economy rate is on the higher side. The pace battery needs to pull things back as it ensures they bowl inconsistent line and length to cause problems for the batsmen.

But the four-time champions and last year's runners-up Trinbago Knight Riders made an astonishing start to their campaign. Nicholas Pooran, fresh from a very successful T20 series against South Africa, was brilliant as he battered the St Kitts bowlers with seven sixes en route to 97 off 43 balls.

The Knight Riders had a fantastic opening with Sunil Narine, who contributed 38 runs off 19 balls, while Jason Roy struggled to make only 6 runs before being dismissed. Keacy Carty was quite complimentary of Pooran and supported him very well with his solid 73 runs off 35 balls.

In defending 251, Knight Riders got off to a flying start with two wickets in the first two overs. However, it was a later one though, where Evin Lewis and Mikyle Louis gave the Knights real sweat. Sunil Narine proved economical, conceding just six runs per over, and taking two important wickets in the meantime, whereas the rest of the bowling was not as good, probably something to work on ahead of this next game.

Match Details

Match: ABF vs TKR, 8th Match, Caribbean T20 League 2024

Date: Friday, September 06, 2024

Time: 4:30 AM (Sep 06)

Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua


Pitch and Weather Report

The North Sound pitch is not like your other high-scoring venues in the Caribbean. Pace bowlers can have a feast if they stick to their plans and keep things tidy. 

Rain interruptions are predicted for the day. 

ABF vs TKR Squads

ABF: Sam Billings (wk), Chris Green (c), Justin Greaves, Fakhar Zaman, Kofi James, Jewel Andrew, Imad Wasim, Fabian Allen, Roshon Primus, Shamar Springer, Mohammad Amir, Jahmar Hamilton, Brandon King, Hayden Walsh, Joshua James, Teddy Bishop, Kelvin Pitman.

TKR: Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Roy, Sunil Narine, Shaqkere Parris, Keacy Carty, Dwayne Bravo, Nathan Edwards, Joshua Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Terrance Hinds, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Andries Gous, Jayden Seales.  

ABF vs TKR Probable Playing XIs

ABF: Fakhar Zaman, Justin Greaves, Kofi James, Sam Billings (wk), Jewel Andrew, Imad Wasim, Fabian Allen, Chris Green (capt), Roshon Primus, Shamar Springer, Mohammad Amir.

TKR: Jason Roy, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (capt), Keacy Carty, Shaqkere Parris, Nathan Edward, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Terrance Hinds.

Match Prediction

TKR is the stronger of the two sides. They enjoy a 100% win record so far in the tournament and considering the squad and balance within the squads, the perennial champions have an edge. ABF on the other hand will be keen to snap their 4-match winless streak.  

We are backing them (TKR) to win this duel. 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket



Team 1




Team 2