Delhi to hunt for pride against Cobras by Rohit Sakunia

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Player:	V Sehwag, G Gambhir, AG Puttick, JP Duminy
Event:	Champions League 2009/10

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DateLine: 19th October 2009

 

Delhi Daredevils would be looking to salvage some pride with a consolation win against Cape Cobras in an inconsequential CLT20 match today.

 

All hopes of Delhi making it to the final-four crashed after Gambhir's men were thrashed by Bangalore Royal Challengers in a League B Super Eight encounter.

 

Now the home team will definitely have to come up with a scintillating performance considering the opposition for today are already in the final four and are one of the favourites to lift the USD six million event.

 

Skipper Gambhir would definitely like to give home fans something similar to what Anil Kumble gave to the Bangalore crowd. He himself has been struggling with the willow having scored just 18 runs from the three outings in the tournament.

 

Apart from Virender Sehwag, none of the batting stalwarts of the Delhi line-up has not something worthwhile. Star batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan and Englishman Owais Shah have failed to live up to expectations.

 

Delhi have been badly hit in the bowling department as well and have sorely felt the absence of New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.

 

In the last game against Bangalore Royal Challengers, leg-spinner Amit Mishra was belted for 59 runs in his four overs. He though is again likely to play today considering Delhi hardly have any other spin option.

 

The only bowler who has looked good has been Dirk Nannes, who has bowled quick and maintained a supreme line and length.

 

Cape Cobras, on the other hand have been seeing real good time since beating Bangalore in the match chasing 180. Their batting has done well and the bowling and fielding have lived upto expectations.

 

Seamers Monde Zondeki and Rory Kleinveldt have come together to forge a brilliant new-ball pair while young Jean-Paul Duminy and Vernon Philander backed the bowlers brilliantly with their bat.

 

Cobras batting boasts of a strong middle order with Puttick and Derek Brand opening the innings, followed by an impressive Henry Davids, who produced unbeaten 45-ball 69, and in-form Jean Paul Duminy down the order.