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Cape Cobras in CLT20 2014 Preview: South African unit high on quality

The Cobras have as many as 12 international players in their side.

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JP Duminy is the key player for Cape Cobras © Getty Images
JP Duminy will be the key player for Cape Cobras © Getty Images

Cape Cobras are one of the favourites to lift the Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014. They have copious quality and have as many as 12 internationals in their side. Nishad Pai Vaidya previews their chances ahead of the main draw of CLT20 2014.

There isn’t much hype around the Cape Cobras as they arrive in India for the Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014. But, a look at their side would tell you that here is a dangerous unit capable of going all the way. Out of their 15-man roster, 12 have played international cricket — six of whom still remain in South Africa’s plans. It is a completely home grown unit with copious quality, which would make them a tough opposition on their day. One can safely say that Cobras are one of the favourites for the tournament.

Key Players: Justin Ontong, Hashim Amla, Richard Levi, Justin Kemp, Dane Vilas, Rory Klienveldt, Justin Kemp, JP Duminy, Dane Piedt, Vernon Philander, Charl Langeveldt and Robin Peterson are the international stars in the side. Thus, they can pick an 11 out of these players. To pick a key player is tough when you are spoilt for choices. Rather, let us go on to single out the impact players — who can change the course of the game.

The name that automatically comes to mind is Duminy. He is perhaps one of the most improved cricketers in recent times. In his younger days, he struggled to force the issue in T20 cricket, but has now transformed into an attacking batsman who can win you games. Apart from that, he can also be quite useful with his off-spinners, allowing the captain an able back-up to the frontline attack. Then, one may pick Levi, though he isn’t the most consistent player. If he does get going, then the opposition will have a tough time. In the bowling, Philander is someone they will look to get those breakthroughs.

Captain: Ontong has been around for quite a while and is experienced enough to lead this side. Though he hasn’t been much of a success at the highest level, Ontong remains one of the prominent domestic stars and has a decent record. He has been captain of the side for some time now and also has the experience of leading the South Africa A side. His form in the recent tour Down Under was decent and he should play a big role as a batsman for his side.

Strengths: There is abundant quality. Period! One cannot single out a particular aspect as their strength. Should one say the batting that has the stability of Amla, the belligerence of Levi and Kemp and of course the dynamism of Duminy? Or should one say the bowling, which has one of the finest Test bowlers in the world, an experienced limited-overs campaigner and a good left-arm spinner? It is one of the toughest questions in CLT20.

Weaknesses: The only weakness one may pick is their lack of experience in Indian conditions. Amla and Duminy are the only ones who have played a lot of cricket in India. While Amla’s outings have been for South Africa, Duminy has honed his skill in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for years. Kemp  and Peterson too have some experience of these conditions. Levi did play in IPL but struggled on the slower wickets.

Past record: The last time Cape Cobras played in the CLT20 was during the inaugural edition in 2009. They in fact played the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Duminy got them through in that game. They made it through to the semi-finals that year. Andrew Puttick became the first player to score a ton in the CLT20. But, compared to that unit, this team looks much stronger and are high on quality.

Squads: Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Justin Kemp, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Richard Levi, Aviwe Mgijima, Justin Ontong (c), Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Zakhele Qwabe, Omphile Ramela, Stiaan Van Zyl, Dane Vilas (wk).

Complete coverage of Champions League T20 2014 here

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)

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