Warriors eye last-four spot
October 01, 2011 09:54:35 UK
On the league table and the early form this should be a simple opportunity for Warriors to move within an ace of the semi-finals.
However the star-packed Knight Riders awoke from their lethargy in their game against the Royal Challengers and if they can repeat anything like that performance they can come right back into contention in the group.
Jacques Kallis marshalled the troops well and despite losing Brad Haddin he and captain Gautam Gambhir were imperious in knocking off the large total required.
Despite some local calls for Gambhir to return to his normal spot of opener it is likely that he will remain at three.
If it is not broke do not fix it appears to be the sensible approach and also if they were to lose an early wicket who better than Gambhir to come in as he knows the role so well.
The one concern for the skipper must be that his bowling attack was less than impressive against Bangalore. Sometimes Brett Lee's blistering pace can be seized on by batsman and Ryan ten Doeschate who did not bowl in the win may be seen here.
Shakib al Hasan is a difficult man to rack up runs against and is vital in the middle overs.
Warriors have been impressive so far but are not a young side and Lonwabo Tsotsobe can be unreliable as ten Doeschate will know after his county Essex sent the South African Test man packing.
The League table points to a Warriors win, but Kolkata cannot afford any more poor days and could well be comprehensive winners.
The Warriors are 2.10 to win the game, with the Knight Riders 1.72.
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