With nothing to lose and all to gain, T&T’s cricketers are ready to lay it on the line against the Cape Cobras, when they meet in the second semifinal match of the IPL Champions League today at Hyderabad. Speaking to the Trinidad Guardian, manager of the T&T team Colin Borde said: “We are relaxed, focused and ready to lay it on the line for T&T. We are aware that there has been much joy at home and that our performances have delighted many across the globe. “This has been very rewarding for us all, as we hope that this will ignite a dying passion for the game in the region.”

Having said that, however, Borde added that his men are not going to be complacent going up against the South African unit, despite playing unbeaten in the tournament thus far. “We are acutely aware that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and that vigilance is the watch word. We want to make T&T proud and this is a team that takes nothing for granted. Everything is done well down to the finest detail and nothing will be left to chance. “We trained today and had a very fruitful and focused session, outlining some of the strategies that can be employed in the semifinal.

“We also tightened up on some of the plans that we have and are ready to execute come Thursday Night. “The team as usual has taken a very professional approach, as well as the support staff. It is imperative that we keep all of us on an even keel. “Playing for T&T and the wide region is of paramount importance and we want to bring this trophy back to the region, if only to prove that West Indian cricket is alive and well.” Meanwhile, captain of the T&T team Daren Ganga said that winning this title would be a major highlight in his career and he was hungry for success. “Winning this title will definitely be a highlight in my career and would do wonders for the young players on this team. The guys on this team can really reach places by going all the way and they are aware of this.

“I know that they are under pressure with all that is at stake but I have told them in order to continue their inspiring run they need to continue enjoying their cricket and playing the best that they can. “The Cobras are a very good side but we are capable of taking them out and we have the ‘home’ support as the fans at Hyderabad have seen so much of us here, I think that they have adopted us as the ‘home’ team. “I want to tell our fans back home, that whatever the outcome we would have done our best for them. This period is really a great one for cricket in our country.” Match time is 8 pm (Indian time).

Teams

T&T:
Daren Ganga (capt), Samuel Badree, Navin Stewart, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul Denesh Ramdin, Kieron Pollard, William Perkins, Sunil Narine, Dave Mohammed, Adrian Barath, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Rayad Emrit and Sherwin Ganga.

Cape Cobras:
A Puttick (Captain), Derek Brand, Monde Zondeki, Vernon Philander, Francois Plaatjies, Justin Ontong, Stiaan van Zyl, Charl Langeveldt, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan Canning, Henry Davids, Jean-Paul Duminy, S Engelbrecht, Herschelle Gibbs and Claude Henderson.