Highveld Lions aim to get close to semis qualification
20 Oct 2012 7:50 AM IST
Highveld Lions of South Africa will look to inch closer to a semifinal berth when they take on struggling and injury-hit English side Yorkshire in a group B encounter of Champions League T20 on Saturday.
After winning both their matches in the qualifyiers, Yorkshire received a mauling at the hands of Sydney Sixers in their first match before sharing points against Mumbai Indians in a rained-out game. It is currently placed fourth in Group B.
Lions, on the other hand, are placed second in the group after winning two and losing one of their preliminary games so far. Prior to the tournament, skipper Alviro Petersen, Quinton de Kock and Neil McKenzie were identified as the three main batsmen in the Lions line-up.
But all three of them flopped against the Sydney Sixers which was a major reason for the team's loss. But opener Gulam Bodi sparkled with a 61 and would be expected to carry the form into the remaining matches. Bodi had also played an fine knock against Chennai Super Kings.
The left-arm pairing of Sohail Tanvir and Dirk Nannes will continue to be at the forefront of the Lions' bowling plans. Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso, who spent a sleepless night after getting Sachin Tendulkar's wicket in the game against Mumbai Indians, has shown fine temperament and poses a serious threat to the Yorkshire batsmen.
Yorkshire, on the other hand, will look up to Phil Jaques, Gary Ballance and Adil Rashid to score the bulk of the runs. The team lacks stars in the bowling department and it is important that every individual who gets to roll his arm over comes good.
With the pace duo of Ryan Sidebottom and Moin Ashraf suffering injuries in the match against MI last night, the task would only become tougher for Yorkshire. Lions, with their better understanding of local conditions, would be the favourites in the match on Saturday.
After winning both their matches in the qualifyiers, Yorkshire received a mauling at the hands of Sydney Sixers in their first match before sharing points against Mumbai Indians in a rained-out game. It is currently placed fourth in Group B.
Lions, on the other hand, are placed second in the group after winning two and losing one of their preliminary games so far. Prior to the tournament, skipper Alviro Petersen, Quinton de Kock and Neil McKenzie were identified as the three main batsmen in the Lions line-up.
But all three of them flopped against the Sydney Sixers which was a major reason for the team's loss. But opener Gulam Bodi sparkled with a 61 and would be expected to carry the form into the remaining matches. Bodi had also played an fine knock against Chennai Super Kings.
The left-arm pairing of Sohail Tanvir and Dirk Nannes will continue to be at the forefront of the Lions' bowling plans. Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso, who spent a sleepless night after getting Sachin Tendulkar's wicket in the game against Mumbai Indians, has shown fine temperament and poses a serious threat to the Yorkshire batsmen.
Yorkshire, on the other hand, will look up to Phil Jaques, Gary Ballance and Adil Rashid to score the bulk of the runs. The team lacks stars in the bowling department and it is important that every individual who gets to roll his arm over comes good.
With the pace duo of Ryan Sidebottom and Moin Ashraf suffering injuries in the match against MI last night, the task would only become tougher for Yorkshire. Lions, with their better understanding of local conditions, would be the favourites in the match on Saturday.
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