Teams pursue turnaround after opening defeats

Sunday, September 21, 2014
Start time 1600 local (1030 GMT)

Both Cape Cobras and Hobart Hurricanes have begun their campaigns with defeat, and with only two more group games each to go after their Sunday afternoon clash, they will want a quick turnaround.

A depleted Cobras attack ran into a red-hot Kane Williamson on Friday night, and the New Zealander's century meant Cobras had a stiff 207 to chase. A new-ball combination of Trent Boult and Tim Southee only made things harder, and Cobras were facing an asking-rate of nearly 13 when the rain came down in the eighth over. Back from retirement, Charl Langeveldt was spot-on, but the rest of the Cobras attack could not stop Williamson. They have several international bowlers in the line-up, and will want them to step up against Hurricanes.

The Australian side had Kings XI Punjab in trouble at 51 for 4 and 77 for 5 chasing 145, but Thisara Perera and George Bailey took it away from them. Before that, many Hurricanes batsmen had squandered starts and the side ended with a middling total. Four of the top six fell in their twenties. Hurricanes never looked in charge through their innings, something they will have to avoid against Cobras.

Cape Cobras LLWWL (most recent first, completed matches only)
Hobart Hurricanes LLWWL

Robin Peterson conceded 32 runs in three overs against Northern Districts. Peterson is an extremely experienced left-arm spinner and has taken nearly 100 wickets in this format alone. He has also played international and franchise cricket in India, and Cobras will want their lead spinner to put that knowledge to good use.

Shoaib Malik was the second-highest run-getter in the recent Caribbean Premier League with 406 runs in ten innings at a strike-rate of 130. He didn't fire closer home to Pakistan against Kings XI in Mohali, but Hyderabad is the hometown of his wife, tennis player Sania Mirza, and the son-in-law could well have some crowd support when he walks out to bat.

"We did not put up a performance like we know we can. We just have to make sure we bounce back. It is a quick turnaround time."
Cape Cobras captain Justin Ontong after the loss to Northern Districts