After missing out on Indian Premier League games this season, the Motera stadium will kick off Champions League action here with a double-header on Monday.
Last year’s finalist Highveld Lions from South Africa will open their campaign against Australia’s Perth Scorchers in the first match while crowd-favourites, the Mumbai Indians will then feature against qualifiers Otago Volts from New Zealand.
The Volts became the first team in the history of the competition to win all qualifying games and are high on confidence having won 13 straight games across different T20 tournaments.
On the eve of their big match, the team exuded confidence. “I think Mumbai Indians will be under a lot of pressure. If they lose their first two games it is going to be tough for them. Hopefully this plays into our hands but for us there is a subconscious confidence from winning,” said Ryan ten Doeschate, Otago and Netherlands all-rounder.
Having lost their opening game against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur by seven wickets on Saturday, the star studded Indians will be happy to be back at their base. Prior to the tournament, the team had a preparatory camp here for five days and are well versed with the conditions.
In Lasith Malinga’s absence, Nathan Coulter-Nile was impressive but the batters did not provide enough of a cushion against the Royals. The deep batting line-up will have to put in an improved show as Otago have not allowed teams to score freely.
Meanwhile, the Lions have the experience of playing in the tournament twice and also the advantage of having largely the same team as last year. The Scorchers on the other hand are severely depleted with six of their first choice players not available. A back injury grounded Pat Cummins while Mitchell and Shaun Marsh were ruled out at the start of the tournament due to hamstring injuries. Facing relegation, Somerset refused to release Alfonso Thomas while Mike Hussey and Coulter-Nile were retained by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians respectively.
Still, the Scorchers have experienced campaigners like Simon Katich, Brad Hogg and Marcus North to guide the promising youngsters in the team.
Lions vs Perth, 4 pm
Mumbai vs Otago, 8 pm
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