Redbacks, Warriors in key clash

In a match fit for the final, the two most consistent side in the Champions League will take on each other in the second semi-final today.


Batmen! Redbacks' Michael Klinger (left) and Warriors' David Jacob

Table-toppers South Australia Redbacks will take on South African side Warriors in what is expected to be a very close affair.

The Redbacks will once again rely on their skipper Michael Klinger to deliver the goods with the bat. With 213 runs at an average of 71, Klinger has been one of the stars of the tournament.

What will also work to the Redbacks' advantage is that they bat deep and could have the devastating pace of Shaun Tait to fall back on as he might return after missing the last game due to an elbow niggle.

Tait will be crucial to the Redbacks' chances since Warriors skipper and opening batsman David Jacobs has been in good form.

Thanks to the start given by Jacobs, Warriors have got 50-plus in first six-over batting powerplay until their last game. The opening pair of Jacobs and Ashwell Prince have provided balance to the side and their veteran wicket-keeper Mark Boucher has given the much-needed support lower down the order.

Warriors bowling line-up includes South Africa Test pacemen Makhaya Ntini and Lonwabo Tsotsobe and experienced spinners Johan Botha and Nicky Boje and captain Jacobs would be expecting another all-round performance from them to break Redbacks' batting line-up.