Champions League 2011 has thrown up all kinds of surprises as far as team performances are concerned. The fortunes have swung like a pendulum; no team has been able to dominate the proceedings. The top-two positions in Group A were decided only after all the matches were completed in that half of the table, likewise Group B also has all kinds of permutations and combinations possible going into last day of the first stage.
Barring Kolkata who have played all their matches, the remaining four teams in Group B are involved in a make-or-break double header on Wednesday. The current leaders in the group, Warriors take on County side Somerset in the first encounter. Although, the former is sitting pretty at the top of the pile with four points and a healthy Net Run rate of +0.592, but that can change very quickly. An outright loss would almost put them out of contention save for a small mathematical chance i.e. if the other match favors them and the South African side still has run rate on its side. However, a win or a wash-out (where they would get one point) should be enough for a semi-final slot.
For Somerset who crashed to a massive defeat against Chris Gayle powered Bangalore, only a win would take them through. Three points from three games is not a bad position to be in but their run rate has plunged drastically after the 51 run loss. So, they have to get the two points in full that will take them to the magical mark of five points and assure them a place in the semis.
The mathematics of qualification apart, the County runners up will have to come up with a much better performance than the one against Bangalore two days back. Although, the side has quality players but they need to fire in unison in the all important match. The bowlers were bit off-colour against Gayle and company, conceded the first 200 plus total in the tournament. Another lackluster show and Somerset will have to say good bye.
Their opponents, Warriors have so far been impressive with two back to back wins at the start before the D/L loss to Kolkata. The line-up may not have big stars but they are good as a unit. All they need is one more team effort before they have a go in the knock-out stage.
Warriors Squad: Johan Botha (c), Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher (wk), Andrew Birch, Colin Ingram, Justin Kreusch, Lyall Meyer, Makhaya Ntini, Wayne Parnell, Ashwell Prince, Jon-Jon Smuts, Kelly Smuts, Rusty Theron, Craig Thyssen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Somerset Squad: Adam Dibble, Alex Barrow, Alfonso Thomas (c), Arul Suppiah, Chris Jones, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Gemaal Hussain, George Dockrell, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Lewis Gregory, Max Waller, Murali Kartik, Nick Compton, Peter Trego, Roelof van der Merwe, Steve Kirby, Steve Snell (wk)
© eContent.in
