Lacking in star power and coming off mixed results in the preliminary stage, England's Somerset and South African side Diamond Eagles go head to head in a League A encounter of the Champions League Twenty20's Super Eight stage.
Despite the absence of current international players in their ranks, Diamond Eagles is one of the most successful cricket teams in South Africa since the inception of the franchise system for all domestic competitions. The Eagles have won three of the five South African domestic tournaments in the past four seasons.
Captain Simon Katich led from the front with a classy half century as New South Wales easily beat Diamond Eagles by 53 runs in a Group B match of the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in Delhi on Friday. The Australia opener scored 53 runs off 41 deliveries as New South Wales put up a competitive 144 for 6 in their 20 on a slow Ferozshah Kotla wicket.
Indian Premier League-II runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore take on South Africa's Cape Cobras in the opening match of the Champions League Twenty20 [ Images ] cricket tournament that commences in Bangalore on October 8. Hyderabad will host the final, on October 23, as well as the second semi-final, on October 22, while Delhi will host the first semi-final on October 21.
Adrian Barath (63) led a stunning power-hitting show as Trinindad & Tobago breezed into the semifinals of the Champions League T20 after beating Diamond Eagles by 24 runs in a high scoring League A match in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Decent bowling, complemented by disciplined batting, scripted Diamond Eagles' five-wicket victory over Somerset, who kissed their semi-final hopes goodbye after losing the League B encounter of the Champions League in Hyderabad on Friday.
A look at the fixtures of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.
After receiving a severe bashing from the Caribbean batsmen, that knocked them out of the Champions League, Diamond Eagles skipper Boeta Dippanaar tipped Trinidad and Tobago to win the T20 tournament. Trinidad and Tobago posted a huge 213 for four following a brilliant batting display and then restricted their opponents to 189 for five to storm into the semi-finals.
Unconquered and amazing Trinidad and Tobago will look to carry on their unbeaten run and seal a semi-final spot when they clash with equally impressive Diamond Eagles in the League A match of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in Hyderabad on Sunday. Kieron Pollard's exploits with the bat down the order has immensely benefited the Caribbean side in the Twenty20 tournament as twice he played destructive knocks to contribute in his side's impressive run in the event.
Wes Durston starred in a 77-run stand with James Hildreth to guide Somerset to 132 for eight against Diamond Eagles in the League A opener of the Champions League Twenty20 in Hyderabad on Friday.
After Super Over loss to Diamond Eagles brought their Champions League campaign to a screeching halt, Sussex Sharks skipper Michael Yardy felt his side choked due to lack of experience in playing Eliminators.
South Africa's domestic Twenty20 champions Diamond Eagles will have to play out of their skin if they desire to start their Champions League campaign on a winning note against a formidable New South Wales (NSW) in New Delhi on Friday.
Diamond Eagles defeated Sussex Sharks in a pulsating Super Over contest and joined New South Wales from Group B in the Super Eight stage of the Champions League Twenty20 in New Delhi on Tuesday.
United in their plight and their back against the wall, Sussesx Sharks and Diamond Eagles will hurl themselves at each other's throat for a win that would open up the Super Eight door for them in the Champions League Twenty20 in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Simon Katich and Boeta Dippenaar, captains of New South Wales and Diamond Eagles, slammed the newly-laid Ferozeshah Kotla pitch, saying it was far from ideal for Twenty20 cricket.
Three Indian teams -- IPL II champions Deccan Chargers Hyderabad, runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils, the top finishers after the league phase -- will figure in the tournament, matches of which will be played at three centres.
South African batsman Boeta Dippenaar announced his retirement from international cricket to pursue other interests.
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