Titans vs Perth Scorchers – Champions League T20 – Match Preview
Match-day 1 of the Champions League kicks-off today, October 13, 2012, at SuperSport Park, Centurion, pitting South African domestic T20 champions against Big Bash runners up Perth Scorchers.
The tournament has been criticized for it unlevel playing field, with four IPL franchises and two teams each from South Africa and Australia taking their places in the tournament proper, leaving the rest of the nations to fight for the remaining two spots. Yorkshire from England, and New Zealand’s Auckland Aces finally booked their places after emerging top from their respective three-team qualifying group.
The qualifiers were played in front of empty crowds but one expects the event to take-off with a double header today, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils also in action.
The first match will also be keenly contested with home talent, and men from Down Under resume a domestic rivalry of sorts before the real battles begin when both national sides lock horns next month.
Titans booked their passage to the CL T20 after beating Highveld Lions in the MiWay T20 Challenge’s final earlier in the year. They have no overseas star to count on but have a side, blessed with experience, many of whom have plied their trade in English domestic circuit. It includes their skipper Martin van Jaarsveld, all-rounder Alfonso Thomas, Roelof van der Merwe and Jacques Rudolph.
Then they have the energy of Farhaan Behardien, who was a part of the World T20 squad. Limited-overs captain AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the event due to a back stress but will be travelling with the squad and provide help to the younger lot. They will be hindered by the absence of Faf du Plessis and Albie Morkel, both of whom will play for Chennai Super Kings.
Moreover, their coach, Matthew Maynard, is an English import and under his reign, the team has usually impressed. However, a tough task awaits them against the big boys.
Perth Scorchers was among the inform teams in the inaugural Big League but eventually finished as runners up after being defeated by Sydney Sixers in the final. Their success will also rely on old hands in skipper Marcus North, Simon Katich, Brad Hogg and overseas imports in Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) and Paul Collingwood (England).
After being persuaded to return to cricket, Hogg has not looked back. The left-armer was the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in the Big Bash league and since then has also managed to represent the national T20 team. His presence in the bowling department will be key as the side lacks familiarity. A couple expected to make a mark include Ben Edmondson Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Their key man nonetheless, will be Mitchell Marsh. The 20-year-old all-rounder displayed his power hitting abilities by racking up 309 runs at 51.50 in the BBL, and his bowling also provides an extra dimension. His brother, Shaun, will be another player to look out for. They will be missing the services of Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson, both of whom will don the IPL shirt.
Both sides have never played each other but will be keen to start their campaign with a win. The track at Centurion offered pace, but further assisted the slow bowlers with some turn and bounce. Toss however, will hold key and batting second remains the order of the day. Weather is expected to remain clear, with temperatures in the early 20s.
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