Match Preview: Dark View Explorers vs La Soufriere Hikers – 6th Match VPL 5

La Soufriere Hikers lost their first match, by the barest of margins in a game decided by the dreaded D/L method. They did that without some of their star players, who would all be available for this match – Desron Maloney, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis and Andrew Thomas. Douglas has left a mark on VPL that no other batsman has left. He has decimated attacks through out all editions of the VPL and is a menace to oppositions when he’s on the loose. Maloney has been more sedate in recent tournaments but his influence as a captain is undeniable. His mantra is as much spin as possible for their bowling innings and the batting is all about imposing themselves on the opposition. Expect to see at least 80% of the overs bowled by spinners – if not, it means they are being taken to the cleaners!!

Dark View Explorers will be boosted by the return of Darius Martin, possibly the most feared fast bowler in the VPL as he has a knock of pinging batsmen on the helmet. They are also boosted by the return of pugnacious batsman Shaman Hooper and the aggressive Rickford Walker. Shadrack Descarte on debut showed what kind of player he is and bowlers would be quaking in their boots while running in. Explorers lost the plot in the first game with their batting as runs was only coming from one end so they will try not to repeat that mistake two consecutive days. Sealron Williams is a might fine bowler for them and they must find a way to include him earlier in the attack as he was introduced far too late in the first match.

If both teams play to their potential, we’ll have a cracker on our hands!

Form Guide

Dark View Explorers: L L L
La Soufriere Hikers: L W W

Weather

The weather forecast for this match is good with little chance of rain. However, a pattern has emerged over the past few days where brief periods of rain fall has been concentrated in the later parts of the afternoon.

Pitch Conditions

The pitch for this match will be different than the one used on day 1 and 2. Historically, this pitch is the best strip for batting on the square.

Probable XI

Dark View Explorers: Romano Pierre, Deron Greaves, Sealron Williams, Tilron Harry, Shadrack Descarte, Shaman Hooper, Rickford Walker, Darius Martin, Denson Hoyte, Chelson Stowe, Kenson Dalzell

La Soufriere Hikers: Desron Maloney, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis, Jeheil Walters, Jonathan Carter, Rayan Williams, Reshawn Lewis, Larry Edwards, O’Jay Matthews, Andrew Thomas, Andre Hunte