After falling short in Qualifier 1 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the defending champions, the St Lucia Kings, will have no time to brood as they prepare for a crucial do-or-die clash in Qualifier 2 against the Trinbago Knight Riders tonight at 20:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The Kings, who missed their first chance to book a spot in Sunday’s final, now face a knockout battle where victory will secure their ticket to defend the title, while defeat will end their campaign.
Captain David Wiese admitted that while the loss in Qualifier 1 was a setback, his team remains focused on regrouping quickly.
“Yeah, look, you know one thing is that there isn’t too much time to dwell on it. It’s basically spending 10–15 minutes reflecting, looking where we can improve, looking where we can get better and then just parking this and focusing on Trinidad for Friday,” Wiese said. “Like I said, not a lot of turnaround time, so you can’t dwell on it – just get one or two improvements, and come Friday, just implement those.”
The Knight Riders, buoyed by momentum after their victory in the Eliminator, will be brimming with confidence and hoping to ride their power-packed batting line-up, spearheaded by Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales and Colin Munro, into the final.
Meanwhile, the Kings will bank on their experienced core to respond strongly under pressure, with Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, and Tim David expected to play pivotal roles.
Friday’s encounter promises high drama, with a place in the grand finale at stake and both teams eager to set up a blockbuster showdown for CPL glory.
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