JT vs SLK 29th Match Prediction

JT vs SLK Team Previews

Jamaica Tallawahs

Victory for the Tallawahs here would all but secure their berth in the play-offs. They currently have the same number of points as Barbados Royals, but a significantly superior net run-rate. If Jamaica lose to the Kings, they could still reach the next stage of the competition, especially if the Royals lose to Guyana Amazon Warriors. 

Jamaica had lost five matches in a row before beating St Kitts and Nevis Patriots earlier this week. That win put the defending champions' push for a successful title defence back on track, but only just. It hasn't been a straightforward campaign for the Tallawahs, who have been their own worst enemy at times.

Captain Brandon King's form has been up and down and, while all-rounder Imad Wasim has proven solid in support, the Tallawahs have generally lacked consistent batting resources throughout. They can demand a lot more from England recruit Alex Hales, who has delivered a mere 59 runs in four innings this CPL season.

Bowling-wise, Pakistan duo Mohammad Amir and Salman Irshad have been among the standout seamers of the 2023 CPL. They have shared 23 wickets so far and each played all but one of Jamaica's eight matches. This consistency in selection and performance has been impressive for the Tallawahs.

St Lucia Kings

St Lucia will also go into this match on the back of recent victory. They beat the Amazon Warriors to put two successive defeats behind them. Momentum can count for plenty going into the proverbial business end of the tournament. Even though they have already reached the play-offs, the Kings will want to close the group stage with another win.

Even if St Lucia win here, it won't push them to second position on the points table. They will remain in third spot, regardless, which means no Qualifier 1 berth, but an Eliminator fixture against the Royals or Tallawahs instead. Indeed, they might face Jamaica again soon, subject to the outcomes of this and the next match.

Opener Johnson Charles continues to spearhead the Kings' batting department. He has struck 225 runs in seven innings to be their leading scorer this season. New Zealand recruit Colin Munro has been a good, late addition to the Kings XI. He has collected 170 runs in four innings so far.

St Lucia have relished the strength of their slow bowling resources. Spinner Sikandar Raza, Roston Chase and Khary Pierre have shared 24 wickets. Raza has also taken over the captaincy since the exit of South African Faf du Plessis due to injury.