Tomorrow’s Caribbean Premier League clash at Antigua features Antigua and Barbuda Falcons against Barbados Royals in match three. Both sides struggled last season and will be eager to improve. The Falcons have already dropped their opener and face a Royals team that appears stronger and favored in this encounter.
RECENT PERFORMANCE
ABF
L
L
W
L
L
ABF
L
W
L
L

BR
L
W
L
L
L

BR
W
L
L
L
HEAD TO HEAD
Last 2 Matches
127/3 in 14.3
176/5 in 20.0
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Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Preview
The season began on a poor note for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons as they were comprehensively beaten by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Put in to bat, they collapsed for just 121, and the Patriots reached the target in 15 overs while losing only four wickets.
Such a performance leaves plenty to address, and the Falcons will want to respond quickly before the next game.
In that loss, Karima Gore was the only standout with 61 from 34 balls, while the rest of the lineup struggled to reach even 20. For upcoming matches, this batting unit must raise its level against stronger opposition.
Justin Greaves is expected to be a central figure. He had a productive campaign last year with 225 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 126, but fitting him into the starting eleven could pose a challenge.
Bevon Jacobs is there to bring stability to the middle order, capable of keeping his wicket intact while rotating the strike. Young Jewel Andrew offers an aggressive option who can score rapidly at the top.
Experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan adds depth to both batting and spin options. His role in the middle order should be valuable, and his bowling could be well-suited to these conditions.
The bowlers were given little to defend in the opener, but there is quality in this attack. Obed McCoy is the leader of the pack, with Imad Wasim, AM Ghazanfar, and Rahkeem Cornwall providing him strong support.
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Predicted Playing XI:
Rahkeem Cornwall, Jewel Andrew (wk), Bevon Jacobs/ Justin Greaves, Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, Imad Wasim (c), Odean Smith, Jayden Seales, AM Ghazanfar, Obed McCoy, Karima Gore
Karima Gore
61
34
8
0
179.41
Fabian Allen
12
10
0
0
120
Shakib Al Hasan
11
16
0
0
68.75
Rahkeem Cornwall
3.0
0
19
2
6.33
Allah Ghazanfar
3.0
0
26
1
8.67
Obed McCoy
2.0
0
19
1
9.5
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Actual Playing XI:
Shakib Al Hasan, Fabian Allen, Rahkeem Cornwall, Bevon Jacobs, Odean Smith, Imad Wasim, Jewel Andrew, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Allah Ghazanfar, Karima Gore
Barbados Royals Preview
Barbados Royals ended last season in mid-table, taking fourth place with five wins and five losses. They will aim for a stronger campaign this year, mixing fresh energy with experienced hands to raise their overall performance.
The batting unit blends exciting names like Shaqkere Parris and Rovman Powell with seasoned pros Brandon King and Quinton de Kock.
Our pick among the top order is King, who has been one of the most reliable scorers in the CPL, with 1,716 runs in 62 innings at 27.6 per innings, and a strike rate of 132.44. His aggressive use of the powerplay could shape early momentum for the side.
Powell and Sherfane Rutherford are set to control the middle phase. Powell can steady the innings when needed, while Rutherford will more often look to attack.
Kofi James, along with all-rounders Kadeem Alleyne and Azmatullah Omarzai, add depth that gives options across batting orders.
The attack will be spearheaded by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Jomel Warrican. Mujeeb can apply pressure through controlled spin in the middle overs, usually keeping runs around seven to eight per over while taking wickets. Warrican’s left-arm spin offers variation and is particularly useful on slower pitches.
Barbados Royals Predicted Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Kadeem Alleyne, Kofi James, Johann Layne, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jomel Warrican, Nyeem Young/ Shaqkere Parris
Barbados Royals Actual Playing XI:
Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Shaqkere Parris, Sherfane Rutherford, Kadeem Alleyne, Quinton de Kock, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jomel Warrican, Ramon Simmonds, Daniel Sams, Eathan Bosch
HR
Temp
Rain
W. speed
W. direction
Clouds
00h
36
0 mm.
5.37 k/h
From: SW
0%
03h
32
0 mm.
2.86 k/h
From: WSW
0%
06h
26
0 mm.
0.27 k/h
From: NE
0%
09h
24
0 mm.
0.61 k/h
From: ENE
0%
12h
24
0 mm.
1.24 k/h
From: E
0%
15h
23
0 mm.
1.78 k/h
From: E
0%
18h
33
0 mm.
1.34 k/h
From: SSW
0%
21h
36
0 mm.
5.32 k/h
From: SW
0%
Weather Conditions
New-ball bowlers usually enjoy some swing under the lights at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, especially early on. Batters can make use of true bounce once they get themselves in, with runs coming quickly during the middle overs. The surface can slow a touch as the game progresses, giving spinners a chance to stall momentum. Fielding under lights at this venue can sometimes be challenging due to the breeze.
Antigua will have a thick cloud cover on game day with a brief shower or two in the afternoon.
ABF vs BR Pitch Report
The average score batting first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is just 150. The highest total posted here is Saint Lucia Kings’ 179-4 against Antigua back in the 2013 CPL. For this fixture, a score of around 160-170 will keep the side batting first in a strong position.
Toss: To Bowl
Nine of the 11 domestic T20 games played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium have been won by the chasing side. So the message is clear: win the toss and bowl first.
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons will be looking to quickly get back on track after the crushing defeat in the season opener. However, they are up against Barbados Royals, a side they are yet to beat in the CPL. Moreover, the Royals pack more firepower in their squad and look much better balanced overall as compared to the Falcons. Unless the Falcons bring their A game, especially their bowlers, we reckon the Royals will take this one.
Back Barbados Royals to emerge victorious in this game.
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