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Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) will take on Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Match 24 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, on September 2. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time (4:30 AM IST on September 3). TKR will be desperate to return to winning ways after their narrow defeat to Guyana Amazon Warriors in Match 22.
The Knight Riders have endured a mixed campaign so far, but their squad contains enough quality to mount a strong challenge. Nicholas Pooran is leading the side, while the team has several experienced Caribbean and international performers across its batting and bowling departments.
With the tournament entering a crucial phase, TKR are likely to stick with a strong combination while making sure they have enough bowling options to exploit the conditions at Queen’s Park Oval.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Trinbago Knight Riders for Match 24 against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons:
Matthew Breetzke is expected to open the innings for TKR.
The South African batter provides an attacking option at the top and has the ability to take advantage of the Powerplay field restrictions. His stroke-making against pace can give TKR the ideal start they need.
Against Antigua’s varied attack, Breetzke’s ability to score quickly without taking excessive risks will be important.
Alex Hales should partner Breetzke at the top.
The experienced English opener remains one of the most destructive T20 batters around. Hales has spent years playing franchise cricket and knows how to build an innings while maintaining a high scoring rate.
His battle against the Falcons’ new-ball attack could set the tone for the contest. If Hales gets through the opening spell, he can put enormous pressure on the opposition.
Captain Nicholas Pooran is likely to bat at No. 3.
Pooran is arguably TKR’s most important batter and one of the biggest match-winners in the CPL. The left-hander can completely change the momentum of an innings with his power-hitting and is particularly dangerous once he gets settled.
As captain, Pooran will also have to balance his own aggressive approach with the responsibility of guiding a relatively deep batting lineup.
Keacy Carty could slot into the middle order at No. 4.
The West Indies batter provides stability between the explosive top order and TKR’s power hitters. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries makes him a valuable option in the middle overs.
Carty’s role could become particularly important if the Falcons strike early.
Darren Bravo is expected to occupy the No. 5 position.
The experienced left-hander brings considerable CPL experience to the lineup. Bravo can anchor the innings when required and possesses the range of strokes to accelerate during the latter stages.
His experience at Queen’s Park Oval should also prove useful, particularly if the surface offers some assistance to slower bowlers.
Sunil Narine should feature at No. 6.
Narine gives TKR enormous flexibility. He can contribute destructive runs down the order while also delivering four overs of difficult-to-score-against spin.
His experience against aggressive T20 batters makes him a key tactical weapon for Pooran. Narine’s role could become even more significant if the Falcons’ top order gets off to a strong start.
Kieron Pollard is likely to provide the finishing power at No. 7.
The veteran Trinidadian remains one of the most experienced players in franchise cricket. His ability to clear the boundary and handle pressure situations makes him an ideal lower-order option.
Pollard can also provide medium-pace bowling if required, giving TKR another tactical option.
Akeal Hosein should feature as one of TKR’s primary spin-bowling options.
The Trinidad and Tobago left-arm spinner has extensive T20 experience and is particularly effective during the Powerplay and middle overs.
His ability to bowl economically while also creating wicket-taking opportunities makes him a crucial component of TKR’s attack.
Nathan Edward could occupy the No. 9 position.
The left-arm seam-bowling all-rounder gives TKR variety with the ball and useful depth with the bat. His ability to attack from different angles makes him a valuable option when Pooran needs to rotate his bowlers.
Edward’s role could be especially important if the pitch offers movement to the seamers.
Saurabh Netravalkar is expected to lead the pace attack.
The USA international brings accuracy and discipline to the bowling unit. His ability to bowl in the Powerplay and at the death makes him a flexible option for Pooran.
Against dangerous Falcons batters such as Evin Lewis and Rahkeem Cornwall, Netravalkar will need to maintain tight lines and avoid giving away easy boundaries.
Usama Mir could complete the XI.
The Pakistan leg-spinner provides a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs. His variations can trouble aggressive batters who look to attack spin.
Mir also gives TKR a different bowling angle alongside Narine and Hosein, making the attack more difficult to line up.
Matthew Breetzke, Alex Hales, Nicholas Pooran (C), Keacy Carty, Darren Bravo, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, Nathan Edward, Saurabh Netravalkar, Usama Mir
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