On paper, NSW are the stronger team with a good number of Australian team regulars in their ranks. They have Brett Lee to lead their attack and experienced Simon Katich, the skipper of the side, to spearhead the batting line-up.
They also have in their ranks some promising players like dashing opener Phil Hughes and young all-rounder Moises Henriques who can turn a match on its head on their day. So, NSW have a team in which experience blends nicely with youth and Hughes said it is their strength.
“We have some experienced players, who have been regulars in the national team and hopefully, we youngsters can contribute handsomely to the team in the match against Trinidad,” Hughes said.
However, taking Trinidad lightly will pave way for disaster. The West Indian team has upstaged fancied Deccan Chargers, the IPL-II champions, and they have this quality to surprise superior opponents.
Trinidad also have a good chance to make it into the semis as they have entered the League Phase carrying two points from their win against Somerset in the preliminary stage and also has an impressive net run rate from the group stage. The opportunity to enter semis will be an added motivation for the West Indian boys.
All-rounder Dwayne Bravo said it will be crucial for them to improve upon all aspects against New South Wales. “As a team you stay with the game, try and improve as it goes on. We will sit together and analyse on which areas, batting and bowling, we can try and improve in the next few days. Fielding will also be an area we will be looking into. Next few games are very crucial for us,” Bravo said.
In battle of equals, Somerset Sabres will take on South African side Diamond Eagles in the first match on the morrow. Sabres will bank heavily on fabled opening duo of Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick, yet to fire in the event, for a good start which will be very crucial against an unpredictable side like Eagles, for whom left-handed Riley Rossouw and pace bowler Cornelius de Villiers will be the key players.
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