The Champions League rolls on to its final day of league matches, and
the semi-finalists are yet to be decided from Group A. The other group,
in contrast, wasn't quite as open or competitive, with Sydney Sixers and
Lions already booking their slots in the semis, thereby making Monday's
games inconsequential.
As for the opening game on Tuesday, only one of the two teams has
something to play for. Auckland Aces are currently third with six points
and need to beat Perth Scorchers to keep their hopes alive. An
outright win will take them to ten points. Their progression will then
depend on the result of the second game of the evening, between Delhi
Daredevils and Titans. Daredevils will move to 14 points if they win,
but if they lose, they will be locked on 10 points with Auckland, and
therefore only one of the two will progress, based on superior net
run-rate. If Auckland can secure their four points tomorrow, they will
hope for a Daredevils victory as it cuts out the net-run-rate scenario.
There's nothing at stake for Perth, though, who were eliminated after
losing to Daredevils in a low-scorer at Newlands. Following two
consecutive defeats, the Australian side would want to save face with a
consolation win. A Perth win will make the second game a dead rubber.
Auckland were properly tested for the first time last week when they
lost comprehensively to the Titans at Kingsmead. After restricting teams
to below-par totals from the qualifying stage, they were set to chase
173, but fell 59 short. Their next game, against Daredevils, was washed
out without a ball bowled. Auckland will hope the weather cooperates at
Centurion, so they can pick up four points. They have to win, and then
watch.
Auckland will be without their allrounder Andre Adams, who picked up a
abdominal muscle tear while batting against Titans. Having returned
home, he is likely to be out for up to three weeks.
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