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St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will take on Barbados Tridents in Match 23 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at Warner Park in Basseterre on September 1. The Patriots will be desperate for a turnaround after a difficult start to their campaign, while the Tridents will be looking to strengthen their position in the points table.
The Patriots have struggled to convert competitive performances into victories. They suffered an 11-run defeat against Jamaica Kingsmen in their previous completed match, despite posting 171/6. They had also lost to Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by three wickets after putting 187/6 on the board.
Jason Holder’s side did, however, show encouraging signs with the bat. The presence of experienced campaigners such as Andre Fletcher, Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka gives the Patriots plenty of firepower. Their bowling attack also has international quality in Naseem Shah, Obed McCoy and Hasaranga.
Here is their predicted playing XI for Match 23 against Barbados Tridents:
Andre Fletcher is expected to open the innings and take responsibility behind the stumps.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter remains one of the Patriots’ most experienced T20 players and can be devastating when he gets going in the Powerplay. His ability to attack pace makes him an important part of the team’s plans.
Fletcher has also been one of the Patriots’ leading run-scorers in recent CPL seasons, making his contribution at the top crucial.
Johnson Charles should partner Fletcher at the top of the order.
The explosive right-hander is capable of putting pressure on the opposition from the first over. The Patriots have struggled for consistency at the top, and Charles will need to provide the kind of fast start that can set up their powerful middle order.
Against Barbados’ bowling attack, his ability to exploit the fielding restrictions could prove decisive.
Kyle Mayers is likely to continue at No. 3.
The left-hander provides the Patriots with another aggressive batting option and can also contribute with the ball when required. Mayers has already shown his all-round value during the tournament, including a useful contribution in the Patriots’ recent matches.
His ability to attack both pace and spin makes him a difficult matchup for the Tridents.
Kevin Wickham could occupy the No. 4 position.
The young batter provides stability in the middle order while also possessing enough power to accelerate when the situation demands. With Fletcher, Charles and Mayers expected to attack early, Wickham’s role could be to consolidate if the Patriots lose wickets.
He will also be an important part of the team’s long-term plans.
Captain Jason Holder should bat at No. 5.
Holder remains the backbone of the Patriots because of his ability to influence games with both bat and ball. His experience is particularly valuable for a side that has struggled to close out matches despite posting competitive totals.
Holder’s bowling could also be crucial against Barbados’ aggressive batting lineup. He can operate with the new ball or return at the death, giving him considerable tactical value.
Dasun Shanaka is expected to retain his place in the middle order.
The Sri Lankan all-rounder has been among the Patriots’ most consistent performers with the bat. He has produced several useful scores during the tournament and is capable of clearing the boundary in the final overs.
Shanaka’s ability to contribute with medium pace further strengthens the Patriots’ balance.
Wanindu Hasaranga is an automatic selection at No. 7.
The Sri Lankan leg-spinner is arguably the Patriots’ biggest match-winner with the ball. His googly, variations in pace and ability to take wickets in the middle overs make him particularly valuable at Warner Park.
Hasaranga also provides explosive lower-order batting. He picked up 2/18 against Jamaica Kingsmen in the Patriots’ previous completed match, underlining his importance to the bowling attack.
Naseem Shah should spearhead the pace attack.
The Pakistan quick brings genuine pace and the ability to generate movement with the new ball. He will be expected to target Barbados’ top order and prevent the Tridents from establishing a strong Powerplay platform.
His experience in high-pressure T20 cricket makes him one of Holder’s most trusted bowling options.
Waqar Salamkheil is likely to feature as the second specialist spinner.
The Afghanistan-born left-arm wrist-spinner provides a different challenge from Hasaranga. His variations can be particularly effective during the middle overs, when batters are looking to attack.
Having two attacking spinners gives Holder plenty of flexibility if the pitch begins to slow down.
Obed McCoy should retain his place as the left-arm pace option.
McCoy’s variations are particularly useful at the death, where his slower deliveries can make it difficult for batters to maintain a high scoring rate.
His left-arm angle also adds variety to an attack otherwise featuring right-arm options such as Naseem and Holder.
Saurabh Netravalkar could complete the playing XI.
The USA international gives the Patriots another reliable seam-bowling option and has the ability to bowl disciplined lines during the Powerplay.
His inclusion would also provide Holder with enough bowling resources to rotate his attack according to matchups.
Andre Fletcher (WK), Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, Kevin Wickham, Jason Holder (C), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Naseem Shah, Waqar Salamkheil, Obed McCoy, Saurabh Netravalkar
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