CLT20 2011: Cape Cobras v New South Wales - Match Preview
It will be a must win encounter for the New South Wales when they play defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the last league match of Group A, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium of Chennai, on Tuesday night.
With four points from three games, the Australians currently stand at number two on the Group A points table, just behind Mumbai Indians, who have five points from four games. A win over Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings would earn New South Wales two
more points, taking them to the top of the table besides confirming a spot for the Aussies in the tournament knockouts.
New South Wales witnessed a steady improvement as the multi-million tournament progressed. They opened up the campaign with a defeat at the hands of South Africa’s http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Cape-Cobras-c776 before clinching a Super Over Win against Trinidad and Tobago in a thrilling
contest last week. The Australians then thwarted IPL side http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians quite comfortably with a five-wicket margin, despite facing a top order debacle.
The bowling of the Blues has been their strong point in the tournament so far. Their big hitting guns, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DA-Warner-c1301 at the top of the order have not lived up to expectations. However, if any of them fire today then it can be another
comfortable win for the Australians.
Chennai’s http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shadab-Jakati-c2475, with a swollen finger, is a doubtful starter for today’s game. Jakati sustained the injury during Sunday’s upset defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago, when a Lendl Simmons' throw hit his hand. The left-arm spinner later
revealed in a TV interview that the injured finger was a bit swollen.
If Jakati fails to make the playing XI tonight, off-spinner Suraj Randiv could be a fitting replacement, keeping in view the spin friendly nature of Chennai strip.
Scattered thunderstorms have been forecasted for Chennai on Tuesday night. If the rain Gods play a role in the match, then points would be shared between the two sides, hence eliminating the defending champions.
On paper, the New South Wales Blues are amongst the most balanced teams of the tournament; however, their batters should fire tonight to steer the side to the semi-finals of the multi-million tournament.
Chennai Super Kings : http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JA-Morkel-c1613, Shadab
Jakati, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SB-Styris-c2463
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Josh-Reginald-Hazlewood-c69504, Nathan
Hauritz
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