CricketArchive

Auckland can still qualify for the semi-final stages
by Asher Wilson


Scorecard:Auckland v Perth Scorchers
Event:Champions League 2012/13

DateLine: 23rd October 2012

 

Auckland Aces v Perth Scorchers
Match Preview
Champions League T20

 

Despite a mixed Champions League campaign, Auckland can still qualify for the semi-final stage of this competition if they beat the Scorchers on Tuesday, Oct 23 at SuperSport Park, Centurion and Delhi Daredevils overcome the Titans later the same day. As for Perth, it’s been a tournament to forget with just two points from an abandoned game in three matches so far.

 

On the eve of this vital contest, Perth are actually favourites by some margin. Perth may have the better side on paper but Auckland have shown they are a competitive, if inconsistent team. Meanwhile, the Scorchers have been so disappointing in this tournament that they hardly challenged any side they played against.

 

In the qualifying and in earlier rounds, Azhar Mahmood was Auckland’s star man with both bat and ball but as the tournament has progressed, the Pakistani all-rounder’s form has dipped. Opener Martin Guptill has again the responsibility of doing the run-scoring. Martin Guptill isn’t just blessed with incredible athleticism in the field or with his big hitting abilities, more importantly, he is part of a very exclusive club that is held in high regard around the world; the MJG organization. This rare talent (based on his initials) has allowed him to prosper in the toughest conditions. He hasn’t had a brilliant tournament, scoring just 28 runs in two innings. However, he is one of those players who can do something special, be it with the bat or in the field, and lift his team mates when they need it most. William Hill and Colin de Grandhomme have the ability to shine well when they are in good form. The Zimbabwe born batsman has a strike rate of over 160 in T20 and if he shows his best form in this match, he has the ability to take the game away from any bowling attack.

 

As for Perth, their batsmen have generally failed as a unit but Shaun Marsh has shown the most consistent form. South African Herschelle Gibbs has struggled throughout this tournament and he may not offer too much in this match as well but Shaun Marsh’s brother Mitchell could be the better performer come match day. Mitchell Marsh top scored in the Scorchers’ first match in this tournament would probably be craving to repeat that feat in this fixture.

 

Batting has been a huge concern for the KFC T20 Big Bash League finalists, managing only 121 and 124 in their two losses. Herschelle Gibbs, who was so influential back in Australia, has had a torrid time in his homeland, managing just 25 in his three innings. Another player who dominated during the BBL, Brad Hogg, has also had a quiet tournament, failing to take a wicket from his eight overs. Despite their disappointing campaign, the Scorchers can finish a respectable third should they win convincingly against the Aces.

 

In the bowling department, Azhar Mahmood is the 'on charge' at the moment on the Aces’ side most likely to return the best figures for Auckland in this match. Most of the main Aces bowlers are tightly bunched together on economy rate.

 

Auckland may have struggled at times but they are a competent side and because they know they have to win, they should offer excellent performance during this match if they are to win and qualify for the semis.

 

Isolated thunderstorms are predicted for this must win match for the Auckland Aces. There will be plenty of early assistance for the quickies, so both captains will be keen to win the toss and bowl.

 

Scorchers: Marcus North, Brad Hogg, Luke Ronchi, Simon Katich, Tom Beaton, Mitchell Marsh, Paul Collingwood, Ryan Duffield, Nathan Rimmington, Joe Mennie, Shaun Marsh, Ben Edmonson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Michael Beer, Herschelle Gibbs Aces: Anaru Kitchen, Lou Vincent, Mitchell McClenaghan, Andre Adams, Azhar Mahmood, Brad Cachopa, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin, Bruce Martin, Ronnie Hira, Colin de Grandhomme, Michael Bates, Gareth Hopkins

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2012 Pakistan Cricket Website)

LATEST SCORES

| Privacy Policy | FAQs | Contact |
Copyright © 2003-2024 CricketArchive