(Cricket news) The Caribbean Premier League is coming to an end as the top four teams will lock horns today for a place in the finals. The finals will take place tomorrow as Trinbago Knight Riders take on Saint Lucia Kings in the first semifinal and Guyana Amazon Warriors will take on St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the second semifinal. The top three teams have finished with identical points as Saint Lucia Kings finished with 10 points as this year the competition is stronger than ever.
Semifinals
Trinbago Knight Riders are the favourites to win as they won their record fourth title last year and will depend on Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine to help them reach the finals. Their bowling line is led by Ravi Rampaul who has proved to be the star player in the side as he is the joint leading wicket taker with 18 wickets. Isuru Udana has also proved to be a useful addition to the team and has picked up a five wicket haul this time. The side has top players who can perform their best in this format especially at the death overs.
Saint Lucia Kings will seek revenge for last year’s final where they lost to Trinbago Knight Riders. Roston Chase has been on fire this year as he leads the run getters this year with 367 runs and should be able to pull his team into a second consecutive final. Wahab Riaz has not been able to get his line and length but needs to be in form especially at a crucial stage of the league.
Guyana Amazon Warriors have been one of the most hardworking teams in the league but luck has been cruel to them as they will now target a place in the finals and finish better than last time. Their bowlers have won them matches as Romario Shepherd is the joint leader among wicket takers with 18 scalps to his name along with Odean Smith with 16 wickets. Imran Tahir is also in the pack with 13 wickets and all the three will be expected to win it again for the team. Their batting side has not been in top form although runs have come flowing, their bowlers have taken the load.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have one of the best players in their squads but somehow managed to finish in the top four. Evin Lewis is the second highest run getter with 343 runs which has played a vital part in their form this year as Dominic Drakes has led the bowling department with 13 wickets. They have so much potential as Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Sheldon Cottrell make their team the most balanced side, they are the under dogs but can win a surprising first title. Their experience is what the team needs the most and if they are on fire then they are assured of a title.
