The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 is almost half way through and the next match (17) starts on the 15th September and is being played in the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, in St Lucia.
Despite quite slow starts from both teams to their CPL tournament this year, both can still make the playoffs with a win tonight.
Current CPL Standings as of 15th September:
Team Form and Recent Performances
St Lucia Kings
The St Lucia Kings have been not to bad so far this season, and have played a couple less games than most other teams near the midway mark. They have played 5 matches, winning 3 and losing 2, which places them in a competitive position with 6 points on the board. However, their Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.133 indicates that they still need to improve in some areas, particularly in restricting their opposition during tight games, having lost 3 games including losing a really close game in the 12th match against the Knight Riders, when Kieron Pollard went off with 52 not out off just 19 balls to secure the game
Key players like Faf du Plessis, Johnson Charles, and Roston Chase have been critrical so far, but as a team they have not clicked. Roston Chase has been good, leading their runs, being both an all-round contributor with the ball and the bat. Alzarri Joseph has also been a key performer with the ball, ensuring the Kings maintain their competitive edge.
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
On the other hand, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have had a rough run so far this season, having played 7 matches with only 2 wins and suffering 5 losses, earning just 4 points. Their Net Run Rate of -0.550 highlights their struggles in both batting and bowling departments.
Key players such as Brandon King and Sam Billings have tried to anchor the innings, but the team has faltered in crucial moments. Their bowling unit, led by Mohammad Amir, will need to step up and deliver if they hope to turn their season around.
Historical Head-to-Head
These two teams have developed an exciting rivalry in CPL over the years, but St Lucia Kings have held the upper hand in recent encounters.
Predicted Starting 11s (Based on our accurate algorithms)
St Lucia Kings Starting XI
- Johnson Charles
- Faf du Plessis
- Tim Seifert
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Ackeem Auguste
- Shadrack Descarte
- Roston Chase
- David Wiese
- Matthew Forde
- Alzarri Joseph
- Noor Ahmad
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Starting XI
- Brandon King
- Justin Greaves
- Sam Billings
- Fabian Allen
- Chris Green
- Roshon Primus
- Shamar Springer
- Kofi James
- Jewel Andrew
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Amir
With the likely starting lineups for both sides, it’s clear both teams will be fielding a mix of explosive batters and experienced bowlers.
Pitch and Weather Conditions at Gros Islet, St Lucia
Pitch Report
The pitch at Gros Islet has traditionally been a balanced surface, offering something for both batters and bowlers. In the previous matches held here, we’ve seen moderate scores with teams usually preferring to bat first and put a competitive total on the board. Spinners may come into play during the middle overs, while pacers could get some early swing, especially under the lights. Expect a contest where scores around 160-180 could be a par total.
Weather Conditions
The weather in St Lucia on match day is expected to be warm with a slight chance of rain in the evening, but it shouldn’t impact the game significantly. Dew might play a role in the second innings, making it tougher for bowlers to grip the ball, which could favor teams chasing.
Betting Lines, Spreads & Player Props
According to the latest betting odds, St Lucia Kings are the favourites with odds of 1.67, while Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are the underdogs at 2.20. Based on these odds, the Kings have a 59.88% implied probability of winning, while the Falcons have a 45.45% chance to cause an upset.
Given the recent form of both teams, the Kings look likely to dominate the match, but cricket is unpredictable, and the Falcons might still pull off a surprise. Current betting odds, as pulled directly from oddsportal’s game for match are below.
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Top Picks for St Lucia Kings:
- Faf du Plessis: A consistent performer at the top of the order.
- Roston Chase: His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset.
- Alzarri Joseph: One of the key bowlers with pace and control.
Top Picks for Antigua & Barbuda Falcons:
- Sam Billings: Can stabilize the innings and has the ability to accelerate.
- Mohammad Amir: A reliable wicket-taker, especially with the new ball.
- Brandon King: Needs to provide a strong start for the Falcons to have a chance.
Final Thoughts
This match is going to be key into which (if either) team makes it through the knockout rounds. The St Lucia Kings will be looking to solidify their position in the top half of the table, while the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons are fighting to stay in contention for a playoff spot. The Kings’ superior form and balance in the starting 11’s suggest they have the upper hand, but the Falcons’ resilience cannot be underestimated.
Who do you think will win? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for exclusive CPL 2024 updates and predictions.