Patriots to contend Providence pitch and unbeaten Warriors

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

BY DELVON MC EWAN

When third place St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots face leaders and host Guyana Amazon Warriors from noon today they will have to contend with a slow Providence pitch and an inspired home team who remains unbeaten after three games.
The Patriots can find it difficult to get past the Warriors on a Providence pitch that is much more difficult to bat on as compared to the one at Basseterre, where they won just one out of four matches.
However, with a strong batting line up, comprising of talented stroke makers as well as power-hitters, if the Patriots can endure their allotment of 20 overs batting first or second, then the spectators will be in for a treat.
Since their first match against the Warriors, the Patriots have shown their potential with bat and ball, however, both departments have seen a seesaw displays so far. With a batting line up comprising Lendl Simmons, Brad Hodge, Devon Thomas, Carlos Braithwaite, NLTC Perera and Faf du Plesis, one would think that the opposition bowlers would be in for a hammering. However, this is not the case. So far the Patriots have scored the highest team total (203-7) in this year’s tournament, but failed to reach 170 in their other matches. And that score seems far from being likely in today’s match against the Warriors on a track which is liken by bowlers as compare to other pitches. The Patriots must be prepared to bat 20 overs if they are to win or come close to doing so.
Their bowling has been a bit worrying as well although it includes rated leg spinner Samuel Badree, Krishmar Santokie, Tabraiz Shamzi and Perera. They have all failed to out and restrict batsmen in their first four games. However, in Guyana they will be provided with assistance from the pitch, so the bowlers need to use it to their advantage.
In their first three games the Warriors seem to have found their chemistry and are on course to win a fourth successive game. They have batted well under varying circumstances and their bowling continues to be impactful. In addition their selection has gone well, with the right horses being entrusted for their courses. It is only a matter of maintaining the momentum to possibly win all their remaining home matches before going back on the road.
Sohail Tanvir, Adam Zampa, Rayad Emrit and Veerasammy Permaul have so far been very instrumental for the Warriors and they continue to receive invaluable support from the rest of the bowling unit. The bowlers have ensured they restricted their opponents to scores that are achievable.
Meanwhile, their batting have delivered on the back of Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Martin Guptill, Jason Mohamed and Anthony Bramble. Besides their opening game their batting have not been tested and is yet to set a total.
The Warriors hold the edge going into this game but the Patriots can explode at any given time once they get their science right.
Guyana Amazon Warriors; Martin Guptill (captain), SohailTanvir, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, RayadEmrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammad, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan and Devendra Bishoo.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots; Faf du Plesis (Captain); Lendl Simmons; Samuel Badree; Brad Hodge; Thisara Perera; Jonathan Carter; Krishmar Santokie; Evin Lewis; Tabraiz Shamsi; Kieran Powell; JJ Smuts; Devon Thomas; Shamarh Brooks; Tino Best; Jeremiah Louis; Nikhil Dutta; Alzarri Joseph and Carlos Braithwaite.
Photo: Sohail Tanvir- Caption Sohail Tanvir appeals during battle between the Tallawahs and Warriors.