GAW vs TKR 2nd Match Prediction

GAW vs TKR Team Previews

Guyana Amazon Warriors

Guyana have reached five CPL finals, but never won a title. They have also ended in third position four times and fourth once. They reach the play-offs regularly, but have lacked the ability to go all the way. This could be their opportunity to finally do so.

They lost just one match during the group stage this season - and confidently won their last two to go into this play-off with plenty of momentum and confidence. They will know, too, that Trinbago lost their final group match - and there is the chance to capitalise against opposition lacking momentum.

The Amazon Warriors have the two leading run-scorers in the 2023 CPL overall. Opener Saim Ayub and wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope have been in tremendous form. Hope struck a century against Barbados Royals recently, while Ayub collected three consecutive half-tons.

It's well noting that Guyana have three of the top 10 wicket-takers this CPL season - and another in joint 11th position. Seamers Dwaine Pretorius and Romario Shepherd, alongside spinners Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie, have been superb individually and collectively. Tahir's captaincy, too, has been impressive - and has not detracted from his primary role with the ball.

Trinbago Knight Riders

Trinbago remain in pursuit of a record fifth CPL title. They won their first in 2015 and fourth in 2020 during a prolific period for the Knight Riders franchise. Last year, Trinbago collected a disappointing sixth position - and are eager to right 2022's wrongs with more success in 2023.

The return of all-rounder Dwayne Bravo after a stint with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots was a major boost for the Knight Riders, but he hasn't played since late August and the bowling attack in particular have had to forge ahead without him.

Seamer Andre Russell and spinner Sunil Narine have been reasonably solid in the absence of the highest wicket-taker in the history of professional T20 cricket. Narine has formed a formidable spin partnership with Afghanistan recruit Waqar Salamkheil. They have shared 19 wickets and, importantly, a collective economy rate of under seven.

Batting-wise, West Indies talent Nicholas Pooran and New Zealand recruit Martin Guptill have spearheaded Trinbago's pursuits of big totals and targets. Pooran and Guptill, like Hope, have each struck a century this CPL season. The Qualifier 1 is nothing short of the ideal opportunity for at least one of them to add a second ton.