The T20 mood is about to set in with the four top teams battling it out in the qualifiers to earn a spot in the Group stages starting today.
The T20 mood is about to set in with the four top teams battling it out in the qualifiers to earn a spot in the Group stages of the CLT20. Otago Volts (New Zealand), Faislabad Wolves (Pakistan), Sunrisers Hyderabad (India) and Kandurata Maroons (Sri Lanka) will compete against one another. We take a look at the players who could set the pitch on fire and bring laurels to their teams with the bat and ball.
Shikhar Dhawan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Indian batting hero, Shikhar Dhawan has been handed the captaincy of Sunrisers Hyderabad with Sangakkara opting to play for his SL T20 team. The south paw who had scored 311 runs in the last IPL remains a key component to his team with hopes pinned on him. His blistering batting on top will be an eye-catcher and the opposition bowlers will be having a terrible time when bowling to him.
Saeed Ajmal (Faisalabad Wolves)
One of Pakistan’s prime bowlers, Saeed Ajmal will be coming to India to represent his side – Faisalabad Wolves. The off-spinner who has 73 wickets in T20 internationals for Pakistan will be looking to bamboozle the opposition batsmen with his key weapon – ‘Doosra’. The tracks here in India are spinner- friendly and we won’t be surprised if Ajmal picks up a fifer in a match!
Brendon McCullum (Otago Volts)
Kiwi batsman and wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum is not new to CLT20 and the Indian conditions. The 31-year -old who also plays his trade in the lucrative IPL with the Kolkata Knight Riders, knows the conditions well and that will help him and his side to take advantage in the T20 tourney. Brendon McCullum can be destructive on top of the order and his performance with the bat can decide how far Otago Volts can go.
Dale Steyn (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Who said T20 was a batsman’s game? Try telling that to South African pacer Dale Steyn who will be leading his side’s bowling attack in this year’s CLT20. Steyn’s pace and his ability to swing the ball sideways will give goosebumps to any top batsman.
Kumara Sangakkara (Kandurata Maroons)
Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumara Sangakkara has opted to play for his home team, Kandurata Maroons instead of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The stylish left-handed batsman is still a top player in T20 conditions and with a lot of experience behind him, Kandurata Maroons can spring up a surprise.
Ajantha Mendis (Kandurata Maroons)
Another Sri Lankan player who can deliver the goods is none other than Ajantha Mendis. The spinner was once known for mystery deliveries and since the tourney is held in India, Mendis remains a bigger threat to opposition batsmen.
Misbah-ul-Haq (Faisalabad Wolves)
The last time Misbah-ul-Haq played in India in a T20 was during the inaugural Indian Premier League in 2008. He returns this time with his side, Faisalabad Wolves to participate in the Champions League T20 and can be quite lethal. Even though Misbah is not known for his batting, the experience of the game can help his side to qualify for the group stages.
