Match Preview – 7th Match: Botanical Gardens Rangers vs La Soufriere Hikers

The top of the table vs the bottom of the table, a match that couldn’t be anymore contrasting. Hikers are on cloud nine, while the Rangers are totally deflated from back to back comprehensive losses.

In The Spotlight

Rangers was dealt a big blow when Keron Cottoy left for a West Indies training camp, as he was the most accomplished batsman in the team. They have a very inexperienced batting lineup. They do have in their ranks Urnel Thomas, who was the most improved player in the inaugural edition. Wayne Harper was once the top U19 batsman in the country. They will need everything clicking in order to pose a threat to the Hikers. The Rangers do have a good bowling attack, so it’s just a matter of getting runs on the board to give themselves a shot at winning.

Not much is going wrong for the Hikers and they’re a much better unit when captain Maloney is firing – he was savage in his batting display yesterday. Dillon Douglas has always been reliable and he’s always a contender for player of tournament and this time around doesn’t seem anymore different. The bowling for Hikers were under the pump by the Divers batsmen in their 2nd match, so that will be the weakness that their opposition will look to exploit. You however, have to score over par to be much of a threat to the current Hikers unit.

Players To Watch

Urnel Thomas (Rangers) – Once the most improved player of the tournament, hasn’t performed as impressively since. A good innings is always around the corner.

Dillon Douglas (Hikers) – Haven’t played a destructive innings as yet this VPL, but they aren’t that long away are they? Rangers, be very aware.

Form Guide

La Soufriere Hikers: W W W
Botanical Gardens Rangers: L L W

Weather

The weather is set to be partly cloudy to sunny for most of the day, with very little chance of rain playing any part in the match.

Pitch Conditions

The surface is used yesterday was totally different than the pitches used for the first two days. Same pitch will be used tomorrow, so expect free flowing runs.

Probable XI

La Soufriere Hikers: Desron Maloney, Dillon Douglas, Salvan Browne, Anson Latchman, Beniton Stapleton, Camarlo Cain, Sylvan Spencer, Javid Harry, Othneil Lewis, O’Jay Matthews, Kemron Strough

Botanical Gardens Rangers: Kesrick Williams, Kimali Williams, Donald Delpesche, Wayne Harper, Jaheil Walters, Reshawn Lewis, Dorson Cottle, Urnel Thomas, Winston Samuel, Zimron Providence, Mcleon Williams