Champions League T20 (CLT20) sees IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders go head to head against Hobart Hurricanes of Australia while later in the day, it’s an all-IPL clash…
In a double header of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) sees IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders go head to head against Hobart Hurricanes of Australia while later in the day, it’s an all-IPL clash as Kings XI Punjab lock horns with the formidable, Chennai Super Kings.
In what promises a fun load of sixes, fours, drama, wickets, leaping catches and high octane run chases; the following are the 5 decisive points from the two line-up semis that could well and truly, decide the faith of the four sides.
1 – Kolkata’s unbeaten record
As far as the CLT20 is concerned; the IPL 2014 champions are still unbeaten in the tournament. Gautam Gambhir’s men, who won their first battle against the CSK, have been in form with the bat and the ball. When they go against the Hobart Hurricanes, KKR will be high on confidence in the semi-final and with a host of talented players in the team, ‘Gauti’ has no need to worried about.
2 – Hobart Hurricanes’ Aiden Blizzard can pack a punch
Aiden Blizzard is not new to the Indian conditions, having been played here with the Mumbai Indians four seasons ago. The southpaw is known for a blistering style of batting and with a flat batting track; Blizzard can send the KKR in a tizzy.
3 – Jacques Kallis can be the ‘dark knight’
All throughout the tourney, South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has not lived up to the expectations with the ball and the bat. But the retired professional can pass on the experience on the younger lot and that may prove vital in the crunch moments of the game.
4 – Ravindra Jadeja vs. Glenn Maxwell will be a must watch
Glenn Maxwell has a point to prove. The Aussie all-rounder who has yet to fire all cylinders in the CLT20 must step up the plate in the semis if Punjab are to progress in the final. Waiting in the wings will be Ravindra Jadeja who has a great track record on Indian turning pitches and the dual between them will be a treat for the neutrals!
5 – Virender Sehwag has a point to prove to MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag are not at all ‘best of friends’. Current India skipper has often criticised the ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ in the past and has often led to boiling point between the duo! When CSK clash against KXIP, Sehwag will have an extra motivation ahead of him which will come in handy for the team in red.
