After launching their campaign on a winning note, IPl finalists Kings XI Punjab will look to dish out another dominating performance when they face the formidable Barbados Tridents in a Group B match of the Oppo Champions league twenty20 here on Staurday.
The Kings XI came into the tournament on the back of a successful IPl season and they continued with their aggressive brand of cricket, defeating Hobart Hurricanes by five wickets with more than two overs to spare last night.
It was once again a power-packed innings by Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, the third highest run scorer in IPl 7, which guided Kings XI home, while skipper George Bailey too chipped in with 27-ball 34 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. However, Bailey will be a little worried about their top order which contributed just 51 with Virender Sehwag and David Miller returning to the pavilion without opening their accounts.
Barbados Tridents, on the other hand, are coming into the tournament after winning the Caribbean Premier league and they are one of the most formidable sides in the tournament, which also features teams from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan.
However, the tridents will be without the services of three of their top players -- Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik and Dwayne Smith -- who have chosen to play for other teams in the tournament.
While Pollard led the Mumbai Indians (MI) before they were ousted in the qualifiers, Malik is playing for his Big Bash league (BBl) side Hobart Hurricanes and Smith is turning up for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Skipper Rayad Emrit has some key players in his team, which includes James Franklin, Neil McKenzie, Elton Chigumbura, Jeevan Mendis, Dilshan Munaweera and Ravi Rampaul and the onus will be on them to see the team through.
For Punjab, their bowling unit sans top pacer Mitchell Johnson gave a good account of themselves with Thisara Perera, Parwinder Awana, Akshar Patel and Karanveer Singh picking up wickets.
Perth play Dolphins
Australia’s Perth Scorchers, boasting many a proven performer in their ranks, will start as favorites when they take on South African team Dolphins in a clash of two non-IPl teams in the first game on Saturday
For the Scorchers, a lot will depend on Adam Voges and the top order batsman will look to come good on the Mohali track. Mitchell Marsh has the ability to tear apart the rival bowling attack.
The Australian side also has experienced campaigner in Brad Hogg, who seems to be getting better with age. Nathan Coulter-Nile has shown already his all-round abilities and can prove useful for the team.
On the other hand, Dolphins, apart from Kyle Abott and skipper Morne van Wyk, have little known faces in their side that include players such as Craig Alexander, Cody Chetty, Cameron Delport and Maharaj.
However, not having big names in world cricket doesn’t dampen the sprits of Dolphins, who are eyeing to win the Champions league T20. “We are really looking forward to the challenge up ahead. Our intention is to come here and win this trophy and win this tournament. I think its important that we approach that (championship) in that way and play in a certain way that we feel we can achieve that goal,” Dolphins coach and former South African all-rounder lance Klusener told reporters earlier.
According to Klusener, Saturday’s opening tie presents an “awesome” opportunity for their young team.
The Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman and team captain Morne van Wyk (35) said that his team is looking at everyone to contribute. “There is not one (player) in particular. We won the tournament back home where everybody contributed. We need everyone to chip in and that will be okay.”