Match Preview: Fort Charlotte Strikers vs Salt Pond Breakers – 5th Match VPL 5

April 11, 2023

Fort Charlotte Strikers have started with a bang, winning their first match of this edition. It was the first time they have won their opening game in any edition. Salt Pond Breakers on the other hand is currently top of the table and will be looking to extend their lead. If Strikers win, they will sit top of the table due to their superior net run rate.

Breakers found form with the bat in their 2nd match and they will be boosted by the return of Ricavo Williams, one of their most destructive batsman who plays some incredible Cricket shots. Breakers achilles heal is that while they win often, the games then to come down to fine margins but it also shows that they are capable of pulling off wins under pressure. The left arm spin twin of Jomel Warrican and Rasheed Fredericks has been effective and you can expect both to bowl their quota of overs as Strikers have a history of succumbing to spin. Ryan John has been good with his seamers, barring the no balls he occasionally deliver. He was in vintage form with the bat on day 2 and will look to continue in that fashion to try and give Breakers three wins on the trot.

Strikers are a completely different looking side to the past four edition. The major difference is they are a side full of experience – where they once lost tight games or let winnable games slip away, that will be less likely this time around. Arguably the biggest signing of the VPL, Carlos Brathwaite, has already made his presence felt with bat, hitting some lusty blows. He no doubt will also lift the team spirit. Strikers seem to have the best seam bowling attack with Ray Jordan bowling relentless pace and length and Jerome Jones getting steep lift off a length and adding a left arm variety to the attack. Add the willy experience of Alston Bobb’s left arm spinners and the changes of pace by Brathwaite and they have a well balanced bowling attack.

Strikers will also be boosted by the return of Salvan Browne and Kevin Abraham, who are notable performers across different editions of VPL.

 

Form Guide

Salt Pond Breakers: W W L
Fort Charlotte Strikers
: W W L

 

Weather

The weather forecast for this match is good with little chance of rain.

 

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

Salt Pond Breakers: Sunil Ambris, Ricavo Williams, Kadir Nedd, Kadeem Alleyne, Ryan John, Seon Sween, Jeremy Layne, Delorn Johnson, Rasheed Fredericks, Jomel Warrican, Luke Wilson

Fort Charlotte Strikers: Gidron Pope, Shem Browne, Carlos Brathwaite, Hiram Shallow, Salvan Browne, Sealroy Williams, Alston Bobb, Jerome Jones, Kevin Abraham, Winston Samuel, Ray Jordan