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The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots will look to bounce back from their opening defeat when they face the Saint Lucia Kings in Match 5 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet on Wednesday, August 12. The Patriots began their campaign with a 19-run defeat to Trinbago Knight Riders in a rain-affected encounter at Arnos Vale Ground.
The Patriots’ batting unit struggled to build momentum against TKR, managing only 109/9 in their allotted 20 overs before the Knight Riders chased down a revised target. However, there were encouraging signs, particularly from Matthew Breetzke, who top-scored with 35. Jason Holder and the bowling attack also showed enough discipline to keep the contest competitive.
With several established names in their squad, the Patriots could make a couple of adjustments for their second game. Here is their predicted XI for Match 5.
Johnson Charles should open the innings. The experienced Caribbean batter is one of the most accomplished T20 players in the Patriots’ squad and provides an attacking presence against the new ball. After a relatively quiet opening game, he will be eager to make an impact against the Kings.
Andre Fletcher is likely to partner Charles at the top. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter was retained by the Patriots and remains one of their most experienced T20 campaigners. His ability to clear the boundaries makes him an important part of the powerplay strategy.
Kyle Mayers should occupy the No. 3 position. The left-handed all-rounder offers the Patriots flexibility and can also provide valuable overs with the ball. His ability to attack both pace and spin makes him a key player against the Kings.
Alick Athanaze is expected to continue in the middle order. The West Indies batter brings a left-handed option to the lineup and can play both an anchoring and attacking role depending on the situation.
Captain Jason Holder remains the central figure in the Patriots’ campaign. He contributes in all three departments and demonstrated his value with the ball against TKR, conceding only 13 runs from three overs while picking up a wicket.
Holder’s experience will be particularly important against a Saint Lucia side that began the tournament with a four-run victory over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
Kevin Wickham should retain his place after featuring in the opening XI. The young batter gives the Patriots additional power in the middle order and can play the role of a finisher if the top order provides a strong platform.
Wanindu Hasaranga could come into the XI after being listed among the substitutes against TKR. The Sri Lankan all-rounder was one of the Patriots’ major overseas acquisitions for 2026 and offers a significant upgrade in both the batting and bowling departments.
His leg-spin could be particularly useful against the Kings’ right-handed-heavy batting lineup.
Ashmead Nedd should retain his place as one of the specialist spin options. The Guyanese left-arm spinner can operate during the middle phase and will be expected to restrict the scoring rate while searching for wickets.
Obed McCoy is likely to spearhead the pace attack. The left-arm seamer possesses plenty of variations and is particularly effective during the closing stages, where his slower balls and changes of pace can be difficult to hit.
Waqar Salamkheil could provide another specialist spin option. The Afghanistan left-arm wrist-spinner was part of the Patriots’ overseas recruitment for 2026 and gives Holder a genuine wicket-taking threat in the middle overs.
Saurabh Netravalkar could complete the XI as the second specialist seamer. The USA international brings accuracy and experience and can be trusted with the new ball as well as at the death.
Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder (c), Kevin Wickham, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashmead Nedd, Obed McCoy, Waqar Salamkheil, Saurabh Netravalkar
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