New Zealand’s Northern Knights began its ClT20 qualifying round campaign on Saturday in a convincing style in Raipur by registering a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Southern Express of Sri lanka in a rain-curtailed 10-over match a side in a jam-packed stadium.
The match was delayed as outfield was wet because of heavy overnight rain followed by fresh showers on Saturday but stupendous job by ground staff allowed the match officials to have finally a match which stretched to last over.
Chasing a modest target of 93 runs, the reliable New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson displayed a true batting talent for Northern Knights and smashed 52 runs in just 29 balls. His sparking innings was studded with seven boundaries and a huge six. Northern Knights won the opening encounter with three balls to spare.
There will be total six qualifying round matches in Raipur and only two top teams will make it through to the group stage. The other two teams are Mumbai Indians and lahore lions.