Double T20 fun at Jaipur - crucial matches for all teams

In the two matches being played today at SMS Jaipur, all the teams should be looking for a win today so as to make there chances to qualify for the further round little easier.  Two matches to be played today are as follows:

Otago Volts v Perth Scorchers
Rajasthan Royals v Lions

Rajasthan Royals have already won their first mach against Mumbai Indians and one win here would make them sure of qualifying to the next round. For the Lions, Otago Volts and Perth Scorchers the respective matched today would be to ensure first victory as their previous matches were washed our due to rain at Ahemdabad.

Lions today face a huge task to cause a upset win. Reason I use the word upset win is not because Lions is a weaker team but the fact that Rajasthan team is strong at home and they have not lost any match here since IPL last year. 

The other match between Otago Volts and Perth Scorchers is going to be a chance for both teams to prove their worth as chances like Champions League T20 might not come always for these teams. For many players this can also be a stage to get entry to the IPL auctions  for next season.

Best wishes to both the teams.

Can Mumbai Indians Stop winning marathon of Otago Volts

When I read the name of team Otago Volts in the list of pre-qualifiers, I' haven't heard anything about the team. This team came as unknown team in the CLT20 tournament but now they are being seen as a real threat by most of the teams. This team is lead by Brendon McCullum who is in great form at the moment. Also the team is doing great, Otago have won all the last 13 matches they've played so far. Last three won came in the Champions League Qualifiers stage where they defeated T20 teams from Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.

Now it'd be interesting to see, how the IPL champions Mumbai India could stop the winning Marathon of Otago Volts. Mumbai Indians is a quiet experienced team but there bowling is little weak with Lasith Malinga opted not to play in the Champions League. As far as Mumbai Indian batting is concerned they were bowled out cheaply in the opening match against the Rajasthan Royals but this strong batting line can strike at any moment they have the ability to win high scoring matches.

The match between the two team would be played at Ahmedabad pitch known to assist the batsmen and this would be a testing phase for Otago Volts. Otago volts have played last three matches at Mohali pitch which assists fast bowlers.

So keep a check on the live scoreboard for the match and enjoy, this is going to be one of the best match of the tournament.

Champions League Twenty20 Matches Today

Today is the beginning of the qualifiers stage matched of the Champions League Twenty20. Two matches would be played today at PCA stadium in Mohali, North India. Previously these matched were sheduled to be played at Hyderabad but later venue was changed to Mohali. Read full story here.

Now lets come to the matches to be played today. As in the past you can enjoy the live scorebaord ofthe matches today from  the live scoreboard widget added the this blog.  Two matched scheduled to be played today are:

1. Faisalabad Wolves Vs Otago Volts
2. Kandurata Maroons vs Sunrisers Hyderabad


Faisalabad Wolves Vs Otago Volts: Its first time that the Faislabad Wolves have qualified for the qualifiers stage. This team to Pakistan has to face some tough time with Visa issues etc, but now they are clear to play in India to face Otago Volts, the team that qualified for the inaugural Champions leagues T20 tournament in 2009 but failed to qualify all the following seasons. This is another opportunity for them to shine. Both the teams have some international names to bank upon. Interestingly the Otago team has won 9 matches in a row to qualify for the Champion league. For the Wolves the positive point is that they will find pitches in India similar to home pitches whereas the Volts needs to adjust a bit there, specially the fast bowlers.

Kandurata Maroons vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Here is the irony of club cricket. Kumara Sangakara of Sri Lanka who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL will play against them in the Champions League. He choose the play for this country team in the tournament. Interestingly for both the teams its a first time appearance in the CLT20. Since Dale Steyn in on fire when he bowls in the T20s I'll be supporting Sunrisers team if the qualify for the second round of the tournament. Else I'll be backing up the IPL winner, Mumbai Indians team

Catch all the live action in just around 2 hours from now. Best of luck to all the teams, let the best  qualify for the next round of the tournament.