Stakes will be high when the Northern Knights take on Cape Cobras in the third match of the Champions League T20 at the Chhattisgarh International Stadium in Raipur.
The Northern Knights come in to the match riding high after an array of excellent performances in the qualifiers, with three comprehensive victories. They have the look of a team in form, with all their departments performing. The likes of Kane Williamson, Daniel Flynn and wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling stand the batting department in safe hands while Tim Southee and Trent Boult look to rattle any opposition with their ravaging form.
The world’s fastest centurion, Corey Anderson, adds the necessary firepower to the team and barring the opening match against Southern Express, their fielding has been impressive.
Cape Cobras, on the other hand, have quite a few international players in their line-up. Their batting lineup is especially strong with the presence of Hashim Amla, Justin Kemp, Richard Levi and Justin Ontong.
Robin Peterson and Vernon Philander are handy with the bat lower down the order. In the bowling department, Philander will be accompanied by Charles Langeveldt and Rory Kleinveldt. Dane Vilas is an exceptional wicketkeeper-batsman to have in the shortest format.
The battle to watch out for will be between Tim Southee and Hashim Amla. Amla was the top-scorer for Cobras in the Ram Slam T20. Being a classy stroke-player, Amla will have a task of scoring against an equally experienced Tim Southee who has been exceptional in the qualifiers.
Amla may have a task scoring against Trent Boult but the swing bowler will be looking to dislodge another aggressive opener mentioned below.
It looks like a well balanced fixture, but the only thing giving the Knights a slight edge is their recent form while the Cobras look rusty.
Northern Knights: Ish Sodhi, Jono Boult, Brad Wilson, Kane Williamson, Daniel Flynn, BJ Watling, Graeme Aldridge, Anton Devcich, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Daniel Harris, Scott Styris, Trent Boult.
Cape Cobras: Hashim Amla, J P Duminy, Justin Kemp, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Richard Levi, Aviwe Mgijima, Justin Ontong, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Zakhele Qwabe, Omphile Ramela, Stiaan Van Zyl, Dane Vilas.
