CL T20: Otago Volts look to breach Rajasthan Royals' fortress

Shane Watson has been the key protagonist for Rajasthan Royals

Date – 1^st October 2013

Time – 20.00 (IST) 14.30 (GMT)

Rajasthan Royals and Otago Volts have been the consistent performers in this Champions League from Group A. Both teams have been unbeaten from Group A and almost booked their spot in the semi-final. Rajasthan Royals played extremely well in this Champions League as their young players responded to the pressure situations really well.

Despite losing three wickets quickly against Highveld Lions, they didn’t panic at that stage which is a good signal for Rajasthan Royals. Even if they lose two wickets quickly, they have a kind of batsman, who can re-construct the innings and later take on the attack to the opposition. That’s exactly what happened in the match against Highveld Lions, where Rajasthan scored 45 runs in the last five overs. Brad Hodge was the hero for Rajasthan. He looked composed, rotated the strike well till the 16^th over. He subsequently played some delightful shots towards the end of the innings against a quality Highveld Lions pace attack. If he can reproduce the same kind of innings in the forthcoming matches, Rajasthan Royals could fancy their chances.

Also Rahul Dravid has marshaled his troops effectively. He knew the Jaipur wicket better than anyone, and therefore, he saved Kevon Cooper and James Faulkner for the closing stages of the innings against Mumbai Indians and Perth Scorchers. Both have used the slower deliveries to perfection. Dravid would be hoping that his boys replicate the same performance against Otago Volts, who have been the dominant team in this Champions League.

Otago Volts, on the other hand, have posted three comprehensive wins in this Champions League, including the qualifying round. They came into the tournament as underdogs, but surprised everyone with the performance. They have quality stroke makers, who can clear the ropes on a consistent basis. Broom set an example for that as his marvelous batting performance outclassed Perth Scorchers. However they don’t possess a strong a bowling attack which could pose problems to the world’s best batsmen on display. If they can improve in the bowling department, undoubtedly Otago Volts would certainly have the noses ahead.

Pitch and Conditions

The wicket at Jaipur offers some assistance for the pace bowlers. James Faulkner, Malik and Watson were getting some extra bounce from the wicket initially against Perth Scorchers. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to field first.

Players to watch out for:

Shane Watson: Shane Watson has been the key performer for Rajasthan Royals. The wicket at Jaipur is good for batting, but it also offers some assistance for fast bowlers. He has got the experience of playing on bouncy wickets. If he settles down, then Otago Volts bowling would be tested.

Brendon McCullum: Brendon McCullum played an important role in Volts’ win against Highveld Lions. He marshaled his troops effectively in this Champions League. However his captaincy will play an important role for Volts against Rajasthan. He has to use his strike bowlers effectively against Rajasthan quality stroke makers. If he does that, Otago Volts would probably come out victorious.