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The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will take on the Barbados Tridents in Match 32 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Thursday, September 10. The encounter is expected to be another closely fought contest, with both teams possessing plenty of match-winners across departments.
The Patriots have a formidable squad featuring the likes of Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka and Naseem Shah. Their combination of experienced Caribbean campaigners and quality overseas players gives them several options when it comes to team selection.
Johnson Charles is likely to open the innings and will be one of the Patriots’ biggest threats in the powerplay. The experienced right-hander has played plenty of T20 cricket and possesses the ability to put pressure on the opposition bowlers from the outset.
His aggressive strokeplay makes him particularly dangerous when he gets going, and the Patriots will want him to provide a quick start.
Kyle Mayers should continue to partner Charles at the top. The left-hander gives the Patriots a useful combination at the crease and can attack both pace and spin.
Mayers also provides an additional bowling option, which adds considerable balance to Jason Holder’s side. He made 34 off 18 balls in the Patriots’ earlier CPL fixture against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, underlining his ability to score quickly.
Andre Fletcher could slot in at No. 3 while taking responsibility behind the stumps. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has enormous experience in the CPL and knows how to construct an innings in the middle overs.
Fletcher’s ability to accelerate later in the innings makes him an important component of the Patriots’ batting unit.
Alick Athanaze is expected to retain his place in the middle order. The left-handed batter can rotate the strike effectively while also possessing enough power to attack the spinners.
With Barbados likely to use Gudakesh Motie and other spin options, Athanaze’s ability to handle slow bowling could prove valuable.
Dasun Shanaka has emerged as an important middle-order option for the Patriots. The Sri Lankan all-rounder can clear the boundary consistently and is capable of contributing with the ball when required.
He produced a spectacular unbeaten 49 off just 17 balls against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, including five fours and four sixes.
Captain Jason Holder is almost certain to feature at No. 6. His value goes well beyond his batting, as he can bowl with the new ball, return during the death overs and provide control with his variations.
Holder also demonstrated his impact earlier in the tournament by claiming three wickets against the Falcons.
Wanindu Hasaranga is arguably the Patriots’ biggest weapon in the middle overs. His leg-spin and googly can cause problems for Barbados’ middle order, while his batting ability gives the team further depth.
The Sri Lankan all-rounder is also capable of changing the momentum of a match within a few overs.
Kevin Wickham could retain his place as a lower-middle-order batter. While he may not have the same experience as some of the Patriots’ senior players, his inclusion provides another right-handed option and batting depth.
Naseem Shah should lead the pace attack. The Pakistan fast bowler can generate significant pace and movement with the new ball and remains equally capable of bowling yorkers at the death.
His contest against Barbados’ aggressive top order could be one of the key battles of the match.
Jeremiah Louis is likely to complete the seam-bowling combination. He offers a different style to Naseem and can be used during the powerplay or middle overs.
His ability to hit a consistent length will be important at the Kensington Oval.
Waqar Salamkheil could be the second specialist spinner alongside Hasaranga. The Afghanistan left-arm wrist-spinner gives Holder another wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
His variations could be particularly useful against Barbados’ right-handed batters.
Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher (WK), Alick Athanaze, Dasun Shanaka, Jason Holder (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kevin Wickham, Naseem Shah, Jeremiah Louis, Waqar Salamkheil
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