Similarities between 2012 CLT20 and the 2010 edition

Today the so called “Champion of Champions” kicks of at the Bullring and once again there is a team fighting for the title in their home conditions. Out of nowhere now, the Lions seems to be the team to beat just like the Warriors were in 2009. But still, there is a general perception that it is Sixer’s game to lose having been unbeaten thus far.

The comparison between this edition and the one 2 years earlier just starts here.

First things first; both the events happened in South Africa, the traditional second (or emergency) home for any event. So, after the dwindling crowds for the previous event in India, it was nice to see good crowds for the events again.

Another interesting coincidence was that both the away teams in the finals allowed one of their bowlers to the Champions of one country – in 2012, Brett Lee (for KKR from Sixers) and in 2010, Makhaya Ntini (for Warriors from CSK ). Similarly, only one player can now defend his CL title, which is similar to how it was last time, with Bollinger for CSK in 2010 mirroring Moises Henriques for Sixers this year.

Also, both these teams had one foreign opener and one foreign off spinner (Mike Hussey and Murali for CSK then, Lumb and Nathan Mccullum now). Another interesting thing to note is that both David Hussey and Brendon McCullum played in the respective CLT20.

Getting back to the domestic teams, both these teams played two wicket-keepers in their XI (one veteran and one rookie). Boucher and Davy Jacobs then, and De Kock & Tsolekile now. Also, these teams relied equally on their spin component to choke the runs (Boje then and now Phangiso).

Going by this trend, it looks likely that Sixers are the likely contenders and once again they have to chase the target for victory.