CPL FINAL: Trinbago Knight Riders look to deny St Lucia Zouks an unlikely maiden title

TEDDIE CASTERTON: TKR can become the first side to go 12-0 in CPL history but in their first-ever final the Zouks are unlikely to be overwhelmed

After 32 matches across over four weeks, all eyes turn to the final between two sides who have never won the Caribbean Premier League. Here's what to expect...

Who’s Playing?

FINAL: Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Lucia Zouks

The first franchise competition to be staged in the shadow of the global coronavirus pandemic was never going to be perfect, with players showing ring rust, overseas talent absent and most importantly, fans stripped from venues, but this year's line-up for the CPL final provides the ideal tonic to those concerns.

If styles don't always make matches, then narratives certainly do. Trinbago are three-time winners (once as Red Steel), have never failed to reach at least the play-offs in every edition of the CPL, have a 100 per cent record in 2020, possess the batsman with the highest average and the bowler with the lowest economy rate. Couple that with a wealth of experience - captain Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have previously won 13 T20 competitions each - and their status as one of franchise cricket's most dominant forces is confirmed.

They'll be aiming to go one better than Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2019 and win every match of a single campaign. The Warriors won 11 in a row before they fell short in the final against Barbados Tridents. Complacency will only again be the subtext of the occasion. While Knight Riders have been able to rotate at will during the competition, their strength in depth is not as big a factor in a one-off game. They'll be keen to ensure they get their spin combination correct, which could see Pravin Tambe or Akeal Hosein miss out entirely.

In the blue corner, you have little old St Lucia Zouks. This is their first appearance in the final - indeed they have only once progressed to the knock-out stage, often propping up the table. They have an uncomfortable relationship with the local area. The government have offered financial support in the past, but opposition MPs have questioned their contribution to the local area. There would be some irony if their greatest contribution would come while supporters are locked out.

In what has been a low scoring tournament, Zouks' experience in defending low scores could prove to be vital. The protected 92 - the lowest in CPL history - successfully against Tridents and with pitches hard to score big on such frugality in their bowling could be key.

Crucially for the CPL with the world watching the final will provide a historic outcome. Knight Riders could cap off the first perfect season in the competition's history, or Zouks could scoop a maiden crown. A fitting finale if there ever was one.

Who should I look out for?

This match is likely to be won and lost in the spin department. Trinbago can boast Sunil Narine, Hosein and Fawad Ahmed in their ranks, though finding space for all three in their starting XI might be a tough ask.

Twenty-two-year-old Javelle Glen has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament for Zouks, and he is backed up by Mark Deyal, Mohammad Nabi and Roston Chase. This is an attack which has already defended one double-figure score and in a tiring surface they could be a real challenge, despite the final form of Lendl Simmon and Pollard

Predictions?

Knight Riders are the big favorites to scoop a fourth title. Zouks might just be too low on firepower.

RAHKEEM! 👀

Absolute thrashing taking place in the CPL right now...#CPL20 #GAWvSLZpic.twitter.com/pTrhyNt0Wi

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) September 8, 2020

Where can I watch?

Sky Sports have the rights in the UK and are showing all 33 CPL fixtures on their various platforms. 

Will thunderstorms disrupt again?

Unsettled conditions are expected for the final, with thunderstorms predicted for much of the day.

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