RC Editor

Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Marc Boucher, Roelof Van der Merwe, Ross Taylor – more than half of Team Royal Challengers will be seen in action today at Bridgetown in the T20 World Cup, pitted against each other. In sharp contrast, two weeks back these players were sharing the dressing room with each other, travelling together, dining at the same table and discussing strategies on the field or where to have the best Italian food in town, off the field.

RC Editor

Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Marc Boucher, Roelof Van der Merwe, Ross Taylor – more than half of Team Royal Challengers will be seen in action today at Bridgetown in the T20 World Cup, pitted against each other. In sharp contrast, two weeks back these players were sharing the dressing room with each other, travelling together, dining at the same table and discussing strategies on the field or where to have the best Italian food in town, off the field.

Morgan – Key for England vs Pakistan

While Morgan has been in perilous form this World Cup, Pietersen is going through a rough patch again. KP was shining during the IPL, but has been finding it difficult to adjust to the slower tracks in the Carribbeans perhaps. In both his outings for England so far, KP ruined under his own peril. Morgan on the other hand has been magnanimously innovative in his shot selections and run scoring spree. With England having an inconsistent run in the last two games so far, lots depend on Morgan and KP to fire in the Super 8’s – power of the Challengers!

South Africa vs New Zealand – Steyn vs Taylor

The Challengers from South Africa, however, find themselves in a spot of bother, especially after their defeat against India. But they shrugged off the ignominy and posted a convincing victory against the minnows of world cricket Afghanistan. The pace duo of Steyn and Morkel combined well yesterday against the Afghans. Now, with the tournament shifting to Bridgetown, where the wicket is faster, Proteas’ pace combination will hopefully work well for the team.

But more than the bowling, it’s the batting that may be bothering the South Africans. Taking a cue from IPL, Kallis was drafted as an opener in SA’s campaign probably for the first time. Against India, Kallis again donned the role of anchoring from one end to notch up a high strike rate. But the rest were having some torrid time with the bat, as was evident even against Afghanistan when they lost seven while mustering only 139 against an inexperienced attack.

Facing South Africa will be New Zealand and Ross Boom Boom Taylor will be in action against his RC teammates. Taylor, who has been in an indifferent form off-late, will, however, be again in the limelight for New Zealand. He is the key for the Black Caps, famous for his meaty strikes and as the potential match-winner. A showdown between Steyn and Taylor tonight will surely be keenly watched by the RC fans.

For me, I am eagerly waiting for the South Africa – New Zealand match, as I have a feeling that this match would be won by the team who can employ a killing strategy on the field – pace vs spin, control vs aggression. My eyes will on the Steyn-Taylor duel.

Who are you going to support?