Crunch time in Group B
October 05, 2011 09:27:50 UK
The final two Group B games see Somerset play leaders Warriors and the final game is between South Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The only way the side not in action, which is Kolkata Knight Riders, can qualify is if both games are no result matches. This appears unlikely so if there are winners to the matches then the two successful sides will make the last four.
Warriors are an ageing side and may have benefited from a long break after two early games although having lost their third match they now appear vulnerable.
Somerset ran into a Gayle force which blew their chances off course. Warriors have a decent batting line-up but do not appear to possess anyone with Chris Gayle's unforgiving explosive batting.
Somerset on the other hand have Peter Trego and Craig Kieswetter near the top of the order and Jos Buttler lower down and should have too much power for the South Africans.
Somerset are 2.00 to win the game and progress, with the Warriors 1.80.
The final game probably rests on Gayle's ability to repeat his destruction of bowling attacks. Last season his belligerence carried the Royal Challengers into the last four from an unpromising position and if he can tee off again a repeat is on the cards.
How Michael Klinger uses his attack and if they can remove Gayle early will decide the game. Shaun Tait is quick but wayward, while Dan Christian and Dan Harris have had a good series and Nathan Lyon has improved through his Test call-up.
South Australia are 2.30 to win the game, with Bangalore 1.61.
Even if Challengers win it will only secure second spot so their semi-final would be in Chennai, but with the crowd behind them on Wednesday a win will give the tournament two Indian sides, one English and one Australian to battle for the title.
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