Cape Cobras defeat Victoria, Bangalore out

By Tanmay S
for Cricketain.com

Published: October 18, 2009

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M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: Home grounds seem to be really unlucky for IPL teams. At Bangalore, the fate of Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Airtel Champions League was decided in a game that they didn’t even play. Cape Cobras, a team that has taken the subcontinent by storm, played spectacular cricket as they continued their winning run. Cape Cobras comprehensively defeated a strong Victorian side by 8 wickets and that killed the hopes of entering semifinals for Bangalore Royal Challengers. With the help of superior run rate, the Victorian Bushrangers qualified for the semi finals along with Cape Cobras.

Cape Cobras’ win also increased the anxiety levels for the Delhi Daredevils as they would need to win both their remaining games to qualify for the semis. In a dramatic turn of events, in the next game, the Daredevils were defeated by angry Royal Challengers and that ended the challenges of IPL teams in the tournament altogether.

Because of a security concern in the stadium, the match started with a delay and had to be reduced to 17 overs. That didn’t affect the audience turnout as they showed up in good numbers. Presence of explosives was suspected at the venue and Bangalore police detained an under-22 cricketer… nevertheless the match was given a go, although investigations were on.

Henry Davids starred in a lively game with his unbeaten 69 off 54 deliveries. For the third wicket, Davids and JP Duminy contributed 88 runs and saw their team through victory.

Earlier, having won the toss, the Victorians chose to bat. Victoria had a disastrous start. Quiney and Hodge, both known for their hitting power, opened the innings and but were shown their way back to the pavilion in a matter a three deliveries without scoring a single run. After first three deliveries, Victoria stood at 2 for 0. Hodge and Blizzard tried controlling the situation but without much success.

Victorians lost their third wicket during the fourth over in the form of Blizzard who managed to score a quick 22 with the help of 5 fours in 16 deliveries. Hussey departed during the tenth over caught of Duminy by Kleinveldt at 19. Skipper Cameron White along with Andrew McDonald took the innings forward with a 35 run partnership. McDonald and Mathew Wade took Victoria to 125 with an unbeaten partnership.

For the Cape Cobras, with Herschelle Gibbs and Ryan Canning missing the match, Derek Brands played his first match of the tournament. Brand didn’t seem to be afraid of the big stage as he played confidently. His sides’ winning form reflected in his confidence. Cape Cobras seems to discover new talents or churn out hidden talents each time they play in the Airtel Champions League T20.

With a total of 126 to chase, the Cape Cobras entered the ground confidently but made a mediocre start. Andrew Puttick departed for 4 and Derek Brands scored 29. Derek Brands entertained the crowds with some good hitting. For his 29, he took only 15 deliveries and scored 5 fours and a six. He was run out by McKay in a confusion but he had, by then, laid the foundation of an easy chase of Cape Cobras who never seemed to be under any pressure whatsoever.

Then entered Henry Davids, the star of game! Along with JP Duminy, Davids put a strong and unbeaten 88 run partnership for the third wicket and the due wrapped up the game in 16 overs. Davids hammered the leg spinner Jon Holland for two sixes and overall seven fours in his innings of unbeaten 69 off 54 deliveries. Duminy routinely offered his strike and Davids continued his big hitting. Cape Cobras won by 8 wickets.

With all the IPL teams out of the tournaments, the Indians audience can now watch the remaining tournaments objectively. The Champions League T 20 will be seen as a platform that launched many a domestic cricketers around the globe, on the international stage.

 

Brief scores: Cape Cobras 129 for two in 16 overs (Henry Davids 69*, D Brands 29) beat Victoria Bushrangers 125 for 5 in 17 overs (Andrew McDonald 29*) by 8 wickets

Player of the match: Henry Davids of Cape Cobras

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