Match Preview – 1st Match VPL 4: Grenadines Divers vs Botanical Gardens Rangers

The bottom ranked teams in the previous edition of the Vincy Premier League will bowl off the 4th edition. Rangers had a horrible last season and they would be hoping for a drastic turn around. From the draft, they do look a much better outfit on paper and is one of the favourites heading into this tournament.

Grenadines Divers has traditionally been a very inconsistent team, losing a lot of games after being in commanding positions. They are usually let down by their batting but they looks a more solid batting unit this time around. They have acquired Roland Cato, their overseas player from Grenada and also picked up one of the best batsman in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the veteran Hyron Shallow.

In The Spotlight

Rangers have made the most explosive pick of the draft, picking up the West Indian T20 star, Andre Fletcher. They are now a formidable batting line up, also boasting Salvan Browne who have played some blistering knocks in VPL. Rangers will also be boosted by the return of all rounders Keron Cottoy & Kenneth Dember who provide both experience and quality. While Rangers traditionally rely on seam bowling, they have acquired the services of overseas player Larry Edward, who would provide his tidy left arm spin. Kenneth Dember, who captained Rangers in the 2nd edition, would be a major boost with his economical off spin and his entertaining batting display.

All eyes will be on the Divers batting unit, which is very formidable with Asif Hooper, Shem Browne, Roland Cato, Hiram Shallow and Kevin Abraham. They are expected to perform better with the bat during this edition. Their bowling has quality, which will be led by captain Hooper. Wesrick Strough, the leading wicket taker in the inaugural edition, will look to make his mark on the tournament once again, after having missed the previous two editions.

Form Guide

Dark View Explorers: L W L
Botanical Gardens Rangers: L L W

Weather

The weather is set to be mostly sunny with a chance of a shower, but it is expected to breeze as windy conditions are prevailing, therefore the rain isn’t expected to have any major impact on the match.

Probable XI

Grenadines Divers: Asif Hooper, Shem Browne, Roland Cato, Hiram Shallow, Kevin Abraham, Vedol Edwards, Bracie Browne, Denson Hoyte, Geron Wyllie, Wesrick Strough, Imran Joseph

Botanical Gardens Rangers: Kesrick Williams, Andre Fletcher, Keron Cottoy, Kenneth Dember, Salvan Browne, Wayne Harper, Razine Browne, Larry Edwards, Winston Samuel, Kimali Williams, Alex Samuel