Barbados Royals are set to face Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 16th match of the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Both teams have started the tournament well and occupy the top two spots on the standings. Barbados, unbeaten so far, are leading the table with 6 points from 3 matches and an impressive net run rate of 2.527. Guyana, positioned right below them, also have 6 points but have played 4 matches, losing one.
Barbados Royals Preview
Barbados Royals recently experienced their first loss of the season, falling by 2 wickets to Trinbago Knight Riders after winning three consecutive matches.
Quinton de Kock has been the standout performer for Barbados this year. He has amassed 196 runs in 4 innings, boasting a strike rate of 177. However, the rest of the batting lineup has struggled, with no other player surpassing 100 runs. Rovman Powell has been the next best with 93 runs in 3 innings at a strike rate of 137, indicating the lack of collective effort from the batting unit.
In the bowling department, Maheesh Theekshana has been consistent with 7 wickets in 4 innings. His last match saw him deliver a solid spell of 3-26 against Trinbago Knight Riders. Obed McCoy also has 7 wickets from 4 innings but has an economy rate of 8.14.
Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Maheesh Theekshana, Rovman Powell
Barbados Royals Predicted Playing XI:
Rovman Powell (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, Keshav Maharaj, Rivaldo Clarke, Maheesh Theekshana, Obed McCoy, Naveen-ul-Haq
Guyana Amazon Warriors Preview
Guyana Amazon Warriors remain undefeated this season, winning all three of their matches. They are coming off a convincing 6-wicket victory over Saint Lucia Kings.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has led the team with 136 runs in 3 innings, achieving an excellent strike rate of 194. Shimron Hetmyer has also been in fine form, smashing 118 runs at a strike rate of 187. Tim Robinson has been showing good touch and could be a key player.
Gudakesh Motie has been the pick of the bowlers for Guyana, taking 9 wickets at an economical rate of 6.52. He was impressive in his last match with a spell of 3-16. Skipper Imran Tahir has also been effective, picking up 6 wickets with an economy of 9.63.
Key Players: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gudakesh Motie, Shimron Hetmyer
Guyana Amazon Warriors Predicted Playing XI:
Imran Tahir (c), Shai Hope, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shimron Hetmyer, Azam Khan (wk), Tim Robinson, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Dwaine Pretorius, Junior Sinclair, Shamar Joseph,
Weather Conditions
The Bridgetown pitches offer pace and bounce, favoring batsmen who adapt quickly. While seamers might get some early movement, batsmen typically dominate the play as the match progresses. The weather is expected to be cloudy with a chance of afternoon rain, which could affect the game.
BR vs GAW Pitch Report
The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown has 155 first-innings average score . The highest score here in CPL history was posted by Barbados Royals, who scored 223-2 while chasing 221 against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. This pitch is expected to be another high-scoring one, and the team batting first will aim for a target around 180-200.
Toss: To Bowl
Although batting first is usually favorable at Kensington Oval, the possibility of afternoon rain could make chasing an attractive option. The wet outfield may make batting easier in the second half of the game.
Fantasy XI for BR vs GAW
Quinton de Kock (wk) – Barbados Royals
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Guyana Amazon Warriors
Shimron Hetmyer – Guyana Amazon Warriors
Rovman Powell (c) – Barbados Royals
David Miller – Barbados Royals
Tim Robinson – Guyana Amazon Warriors
Jason Holder – Barbados Royals
Maheesh Theekshana – Barbados Royals
Obed McCoy – Barbados Royals
Gudakesh Motie – Guyana Amazon Warriors
Imran Tahir – Guyana Amazon Warriors
Captain: Quinton de Kock
Vice-Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Win Prediction
Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors are both strong teams this season. Although Guyana has unbeaten streak so far in the 3 games but Barbados has also been in exceptional form, especially with Quinton de Kock leading from the front. Barbados defeated Guyana in their last encounter in 2023 by huge margin of 88 runs and overall team balance give Barbados a slight edge in this contest.
Prediction: Barbados Royals to win
