Durban, Oct 24: Delhi Daredevils' batting might would be put through a stern test by the consistent bowling attack of Highveld Lions when the two sides clash in the first semifinal of the Champions League Twenty20 here tomorrow.
While the Daredevils finished their league engagements unbeaten and on top of Group A after two wins and a couple of washouts, the Lions ended second in group B with three victories and a loss from their four preliminary matches.
Delhi are the only IPL side left in contention after three others were knocked out in the group stage itself. The Lions, on the other hand, are one of the two South African sides, the other being Titans, to have reached the semifinals.
Delhi's strength lies in its power-packed batting line-up which boasts of proven match-winners such as Virender Sehwag, skipper Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen and Ross Taylor. Rising star Unmukt Chand makes it perhaps the best top-five in the tournament.
But the team looked vulnerable the last time weather permitted it to come out in the middle, against Perth Scorchers. Had it not been for a uncharacteristically patient half century by Sehwag, Delhi did stare at defeat against the Scorchers.
David Warner has been warming the benches in this tournament and he will be itching to have a go in case the team management decides to include him in the line-up.
On the bowling front, Delhi's attack looks decent spearheaded by Irfan Pathan and Morne Morkel. The young Umesh Yadav has come good and so has veteran all-rounder Ajit Agarkar, who seems to be rediscovering his form.
The Lions, on the other hand, have been relying on their enterprising bowling to carve out wins.
