CPL 2021: TKR vs SLK Match Prediction, 1st Semi-Final

byArpit Sachdeva

September 14, 2021

Kieron Pollard, CPL 2021, Trinbago Knight Riders

Image Source: Twitter

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CPL 2021: TKR vs SLK Match Prediction, 1st Semi-Final. Trinbago Knight Riders lock horns with Saint Lucia Kings in the first semi-final of the CPL 2021 on Tuesday. Both these two teams met each other in the last edition’s final. Trinbago Knight Riders beat St. Lucia by 8 wickets in that match to lift the CPL 2020 title. St. Lucia Kings wouldn’t have forgotten that and they would be keen to beat Trinbago on Tuesday.

Trinbago Knight Riders didn’t start off the tournament too well as they lost three out of their first five games. However, the second half of the edition saw them making a roaring comeback. They have won four out of their last five encounters. After winning their last game of the league stage against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, they reached the top of the table with 12 points to their name.

Isuru Udana, CPL 2021 — Image Source: Twitter

Trinbago Knight Riders wouldn’t be short of confidence, given how they have fared during the second half of the tournament. Trinbago played their last game against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots and restricted them to 147 runs in the first innings. Ali Khan starred for Trinbago Knight Riders in the bowling department as he accounted for three wickets. Isuru Udana was equally impressive, who picked 2 wickets for 28 runs, including the important wicket of Dwayne Bravo.

Trinbago lost Lendl Simmons (20 off 17) and Colin Munro (9 off 15) early in the chase. Darren Bravo (1 off 7) and Tim Seifert (11 off 12) too didn’t help the team too much. However, Kieron Pollard rose to the occasion and played a match-winning 51-run knock off just 22 balls. Later, Isuru Udana kept his composure and guided the team home with an over remaining in the game. He remained unbeaten at 25 off 16 deliveries.

Saint Lucia Kings vs Barbados Royals, CPL 2021 — Image Source: Twitter

Facing them are Saint Lucia Kings, who are coming off a defeat at the hands of the Barbados Royals. Saint Lucia hasn’t been consistent with their performances but have managed to reach the playoffs. A lot of credit must be given to Roston Chase, who has been magnificent in this edition. Skipper Faf du Plessis has also come up with vital knocks in the tournament.

He didn’t play the last game but despite that, St. Lucia managed to post 190 runs in the first innings. Rahkeem Cornwall gave the team a flying start as he scored 40 runs off just 26 deliveries. Later, Roston Chase (56 off 38), Wiese (23 off 15), and Tim David (13 off 6) made vital contributions.

Despite posting such a huge total, Barbados chased it down with 7 balls still left, thanks to two outstanding knocks from Mayers and Phillips. Nevertheless, St. Lucia Kings would be hopeful of a better bowling performance in a must-win game on Tuesday.