Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders are set to begin their campaign in the Caribbean Premier League 2023 when they take on Barbados Royals in match 2 in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Sunday. The two teams faced each other in the final of last year’s edition of WCPL. The Knight Riders won by ten runs as they managed to defend a target of just 101.
The Royals played in the first game of this season’s WCPL against Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Kensington Oval. Stafanie Taylor won the toss and opted to bat first. Sophie Devine scored a brilliant century as she remained unbeaten on 103 off 64 balls. Her knock was studded with ten fours and five sixes. However, no other batter managed to play fluently as the away side finished their innings at 166/2.
The opening duo of Hayley Matthews and Gaby Lewis got Barbados off to a solid start. The former was dismissed for 23 off 21, but the young Irish batter played well for her 35-ball 47. However, it was the partnership between Laura Harris and Erin Burns that took the game away from Guyana. The Australian duo scored 38 runs in just 15 balls to help their team to win the match with two balls to spare.
Meanwhile, Deandra Dottin will be leading the Knight Riders once again. She has experienced players like Shamilia Connell and Anisa Mohammed on her side. Keep an eye on the talented Orla Prendergast, who has shown glimpses of her talent with both the bat and ball in international cricket. Last year, when these two sides met for the first time, the Knight Riders won by a solitary run in a thrilling contest.
Match Details:
Tournament: Women’s Caribbean Premier League 2023
Match: Barbados Royals Women vs. Trinbago Knight Riders Women, Match 2
Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Date & Time: Sunday, September 3, 01:00 AM (IST)
Where to Watch Live: FanCode
Kensington Oval Pitch Report
Martin Guptill scored a century in CPL at this ground, and compatriot Sophie Devine got to the magical three-figure mark in the opening encounter of WCPL. Batters have enjoyed their time on this pitch, and if they give themselves some time in the middle, a lot of runs could be scored. There is a 30% chance of rain predicted on the day of the encounter.
Probable Playing XI
Barbados Royals Women
Hayley Matthews (C), Gaby Lewis, Rashada Williams (wk), Laura Harris, Erin Burns, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Chedean Nation, Afy Fletcher, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Qiana Joseph
Trinbago Knight Rider Women
Deandra Dottin (C), Kyshona Knight, Britney Cooper, Orla Prendergast, Kycia Knight (wk), Zaida James, Lee-Ann Kirby, Fran Jonas, Anisa Mohammed, Shamilia Connell
BR-W vs TKR-W Head-to-Head
Overall:
Played – 2, Barbados Royals – 0, Trinbago Knight Riders – 2
Probable Top Performers of BR-W vs TKR-W
Probable Best Batter of the Match
Hayley Matthews – Barbados Royals
The West Indies captain is one of the most consistent players in women’s cricket. She has the ability to anchor the innings and can also shift gears when she is set. The 25-year-old missed out in the first game after getting off to a decent start. She would look to set up a solid platform for the big hitters like Laura Harris and Erin Burns down the order.
Probable Best Bowler of the Match
Shamilia Connell – Trinbago Knight Riders
The 31-year-old pacer could play a crucial role against Barbados. If she can dismiss Devine with the new ball, it will help Dottin to put the rest of the batters under pressure. In 11 T20Is this year, Connell has picked up eight wickets at an economy rate of 6.78. Last year, she picked up three wickets in two games.