The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons will host the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Sunday in a pivotal Caribbean Premier League encounter at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
It is a repeat of the opening fixture of the season, when the Patriots struck first, and comes with both teams battling to keep their qualification hopes alive. The Falcons, who suffered a heavy 83-run defeat to the Guyana Amazon Warriors in their last outing, now sit at the foot of the points table and must win to remain in contention.
Much will depend on the Falcons’ top order, where Jewel Andrew and Rahkeem Cornwall have struggled to impose themselves. Kamira Gore and Fabian Allen have carried the batting, but the middle order has yet to fire. The absence of Bevon Jacobs, away on national duty, further complicates matters. In the bowling ranks, Usama Mir and Shamar Springer have been effective, while Jayden Seales and Obed McCoy will again lead the attack.
For the Patriots, spinner Janson Holder is among the joint leading wicket-takers of the tournament, supported by Waqar Salamkheil, who has been consistent throughout the campaign. Andre Fletcher continues to provide solidity at the top of the order, while Kyle Mayers has added firepower in the middle overs.
With both sides desperate for momentum, the fixture is set to be fiercely contested. The Falcons will hope home advantage can spark a turnaround, while the Patriots, currently third in the standings, are chasing a run of wins to secure a play-off spot.
First ball is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
