CPL 2021: Third consecutive win for Patriots

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots marched on to their third consecutive victory in the Caribbean Premiere League 2021 by beating Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets.

The Patriots are quickly becoming firm favourites to lift this year’s title.

The Warriors put up a decent target of 167, but it proved to be too little for the Patriots.

Dwayne Bravo’s men got to an ideal start, scoring 49 runs in the powerplay without a loss of wicket.

Rutherford grabs another MOTM trophy

Sherfane Rutherford is in the form of his life.

He clinched yet another Man of the Match trophy for his batting display.

With three wickets down in quick succession, the West Indian star smacked 59 runs and remained unbeaten till the end.

The left-handed power-hitter made sure he takes the team across the line.

Not to forget, two big sixes in the second last over off Naveen ul Haq helped Rutherford wrap up the game in a jiffy.

Meekeren, Tahir make the ball talk

Dutchman Paul van Meekeren delivered the goods with the ball.

In his quota of four overs, he picked two wickets to leave the Warriors’ batting line-up in tatters.

Giving away only 23 runs, the Dutchman registered an incredible economy of 5.8.

When it comes to bowlers leading the charge, Imran Tahir deserves praise too.

The South African ended with 2-26 in his four overs against one of the deadliest batting line-ups in the CPL.

The leg-spinner has continued to dominate franchise cricket with his unorthodox bowling that has a mysterious element to it.

How can the Warriors recover?

Guyana Amazon Warriors have brought together some best batsmen and bowlers of the franchise cricket, but they are being inconsistent.

Warriors skipper Nicholas Pooran is a game-changer when it comes to the shortest format of the sport, hence, he should try to tweak with the batting line-up to see how it works out.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez looked sublime for his 70 off 59, but it seemed a tad slow.

Pooran can wreak havoc if he can stay for a few overs on the pick.

Hence, he should elevate his order to allow himself to face as many balls as he can and try to make the ball disappear often.

Today, he played only nine balls.

If one of your best batters in the side is not getting to play enough balls, then the team is unlikely to amass big totals.

Asif Ali fails again

Pakistan middle-order batsman Asif Ali is failing to fill the void of a powerful striker in the Patriots.

He is well known for his huge sixes that can change the context of the game rapidly.

However, the right-handed star hasn’t been able to fire all cylinders this season.

Ali departed for only 2 against the Warriors.

Odean Smith got him caught to Anthony Rumble to show Ali the path to the dressing room.

Dwayne Bravo has a decision to make in the coming days.

Continue with Ali at 3, or pick another strong hitter who can add another 20-30 runs in the death overs.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 168 for 4 (Rutherford 59*) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 166 for 3 (Hafeez 70, Hetmyer 52) by six wickets.