The matches on cards for the day, at Chennai are worth their money for the crowds because the unpredictability of the format means new heroes and unlikely saviours may find themselves in the spotlight. All the teams possess a rich mix of youth and experience and are hungry for major-league success. The curtain will go up on the T20 Champions League 2011 for the matches to be held at the historic Chepauk cricket ground of M A Chidambaram stadium.
The two matches on the anvil for the day are between Cape Cobras and New South Wales Blues and the second one between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
To begin with the first match - The South African T20 champions Cape Cobras, led by former international Justin Kemp, who once turned out for Chennai Super Kings in IPL, is a star-studded squad, with the likes of Dale Steyn, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs and England's Owais Shah as the mainstay. The Cobras did not perform upto expectations in the 2009 edition of this tournament, will be looking to make amends this time.
The NSW Blues, on the other hand, have an impressive track record. They had won the first edition of the tournament in 2009 and bagged the Big Bash tournament in Australia in 2008. The Blues too have formidable players like Dave Warner and Shane Watson in their ranks, along with others. They have firepower in their batting line up as well as bowling minus the influential Brett Lee. In the spin department, the abilities of Nathan Hauritz and Steve Smith will come in handy to calm down the cobras.
The second match - Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have played a few tight games in the past (IPL) and to pick a winner from the two has always been a great gamble. However the hosts will carry a slight advantage mainly because of the injury concerns that behest Mumbai.
Sans Sachin due to injury Mumbai Indians new skipper Harbhajan said to lead Mumbai Indians is an honour and a huge opportunity. I have led the team before in the IPL. We are not looking too far ahead and at the same time confident of a good performance with the available resources.
Chennai has reaped the rewards for retaining their core side. The trophy shelf is ample proof of their growing prowess. The enviable home record will spur them as well. Coach Stephen Fleming was certain of guarding his team against complacency. We are competing on a world stage. There is a lot of pride associated with CSK and I am sure there will not be short of commitment”, explained the Kiwi.
The wicket has been re-laid at the MAC Stadium and should play a touch slow. Rain has also affected preparation but the teams should not be complaining as spin is going to play a vital force in the games decision.
