In-Form RCB To Take On South Australia

Durban : A battle of strategy is on the cards when in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore take on an impressive South Australia in the Champions League Twenty20 Group B encounter here on Friday (Sept 17).

Both the teams have started their campaign in the T20 championship on a winning note and would strive to register another victory tomorrow to consolidate their position on the points table.

Anil Kumble-led Bangalore side, who finished third in the Indian Premier League III earlier this year, started their journey in the tournament by crushing a low-profile Guyana by nine wickets.

On the other hand, South Australia first snatched an 11-run victory over Lions and then inflicted a humiliating five-wicket defeat on another IPL side, Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians.For Kumble's men everything fell in place against Guyana and now they have to guard against complacency before tomorrow's tough encounter at the Kingsmead ground.

Experienced all-rounder Jacques Kallis commendably led Bangalore bowling attack, while pacer duo of Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar had extended excellent support to him.

Kumble, who had managed just one wicket against Guyana, would now expect another all-round performance by his bowling department to break South Australia's batting line-up.

Kallis and Rahul Dravid had also clicked with the bat and produced a 78-run opening partnership, while at one-down Robin Uthappa cracked a quick unbeaten 25 off just eight balls to complete the task.

But other batsmen, including New Zealander Ross Taylor and Virat Kohli, whose mettle have not been put to test in the event so far, should also be ready this time make a decent contribution with the bat.Skipper Michael Klinger and his opening partner Daniel Harris have played crucial roles in South Australia's consecutive wins.

The duo had shared a 112-run partnership against Mumbai Indians to lay the foundation stone for their second win in the show-piece event.But their middle-order batsmen have not done much in the CLT20 so far and they have to show more consistency in the days to come.

Paceman Shaun Tait spearheads the South Australia bowling attack, while Klinger will have more options in the form of his new-ball partner Gary Putland and fast bowler Daniel Christian. PTI

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