Match Preview: Fort Charlotte Strikers vs La Soufriere Hikers – 14th Match VPL 5

Fort Charlotte Strikers are top of the table during the half way stage of the round robin, one of VPL’s rarity. Whoever wins this match will top the table and feel more comfortable at securing a spot for the qualifiers.

Strikers are playing excellent Cricket at the moment but this match will be their ultimate test and Hikers do not back down whatever the situation. This will be the litmus test for their bowlers and if they make it through, their confidence will be soaring high and they may become an unstoppable force. Salvan Browne, Hiram Shallow and Carlos Brathwaite all look in good touch. If captain Gidron Pope can come to the party, Strikers will be in good hands. They even have the likes of Sealroy Williams, Donwell Hector and Kevin Abraham who can score quality runs as well. Jerome Jones and Carlos Brathwaite have been sensational with the ball. If Ray Jordan can hit his straps and bowl as he did in previous editions, Strikers can be strong favourites for this match.

Hikers won their two previous games by the scruff of their neck, winning both by two runs. However, it’s what a team that is accustomed to winning do – they know how to pull through the difficult moments. Desron Maloney is back to form, something that was missing from Hikers for the past two VPL. It only makes Hikers a far more dangerous opposition. Dillon Douglas wasn’t at his best in their last match but still managed to score at a strike rate of 176. The main chink in the armour of Hikers seem to be their bowling. This is the 3rd time they have made good totals and they were almost chased down. They are very reliant on spin and so far, spin hasn’t been dominating the scenes compare to the previous VPL editions.

Form Guide

Fort Charlotte Strikers: W W L
La Soufriere Hikers: W W W

Weather

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

Pitch Conditions

A different strip will be used for this match. There has been some help for bowlers who can get it through with pace and bounce but all of the strips have generally favoured batting thus far.

Probable XI

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

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