MATCH: Kolkata Knight Riders v Somerset
DATE: Sunday, September 25, 2011
TIME: 2000 hours IST (1430 hours GMT)
VENUE: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad
Qualifiers Kolkata Knight Riders and Somerset begin their proceedings in the main draw of the Champions League T20 2011, with a night game on Sunday.
Past Record:
The two, Kolkata (8/13 at
Boylesports) and Somerset (11/8 at
Ladbrokes) had to go through the qualifiers to make it through the main draw of the Champions League T20. In fact, only four days ago, they played against each other in a game to decide which team goes through to the main competition. Somerset had beaten Kolkata in that encounter but both the sides had been able to qualify for the tournament.
Kolkata will know that they cannot afford to lose another game here.
Side-effect:
Since it is the first game of the main tournament for both, a loss would not make a drastic difference in the overall scheme of things. However, Somerset are on a two-match winning roll and a third win would put them in the right frame of mind to attempt qualification for the semi-finals. On the other hand, a loss for Kolkata would put them on the back-foot straightaway and make life difficult for the first-timers.
Team News:
Both teams should go in with pretty much the same line-up that they had played in the previous game they had played against each other. There are lingering doubts over the presence of Gautam Gambhir and whether he will be fit to make it to the playing 11. If Gambhir does play, Sreevats Goswami may have to sit out and he will bat at three.
Ryan ten Doeschate, who was the responsible for the Knight Riders’ resurgence into the main draw, could look at getting himself a promotion ahead of Manoj Tiwary. In fact, if Gambhir does not make it for the game, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to send ten Doeschate at three.
Jaidev Unadkat’s two-wicket haul in the previous game should allow him to keep the spot ahead of L Balaji.
Somerset have had a couple of wins with the same line-up and it may not make sense to change things around. Of course, they may look at the role of the third spinner, Max Waller against a side which plays spin well and a pace bowler may be brought in.
Peter Trego and James Hildreth would look to continue with their form at the top of the innings for the side.
Who is hot?
The Knight Riders will look for more from their stand-in captain Jacques Kallis; especially with the bat. Somerset has been propped rather well by Roelof van der Merwe and his all-round skills and he should be the player to watch out for.
Prediction:
Somerset could go into the game as favourites, but a lot could also depend on whether Gautam Gambhir comes back into the side. His presence as a captain and a valuable number three batsman could turn the tide in favour of the Knight Riders.
