Langer prays for Deccan defeat
Somerset Sabres captain Justin Langer was left hoping for a Trinidad and Tobago victory over the Deccan Chargers.
That, the former Australian Test opener realises is the only way to save his side's Airtel Champions League Twenty20 prospects after the county side were outclassed by their Caribbean opponents.
Somerset, who had secured a last-ball victory over Indian Premier League champions Deccan, were on the wrong end of a 44-run defeat in their second outing in the group stage of the competition.
T&T's openers Lendl Simmons (22) and William Perkins (20) had given their side a solid start, but Somerset picked up regular wickets and Denesh Ramdin (39) nursed the innings to a score of 150 for nine.
Dwayne Bravo then picked up two wickets with the new ball and spinners Sherwin Ganga and Dave Mohammed claimed two wickets as Somerset's reply stuttered.
Bravo returned to claim two more wickets as Somerset were bowled out for 106 off the last ball of the innings.
Somerset's chances of progressing now hinge on a T&T victory over the Chargers in the final group game.
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"Trinidad played brilliantly in all aspects of the game," Langer said.
"I don't think India would like me saying this, but I hope Trinidad beat Deccan.
"It's a bit disappointing and we made it hard for ourselves.
"I guess we will know in the next few days just where we stand."
Reflecting on his team's start in the field, the West Indian side plundered a risky 53 off four overs of powerplay, Langer added: "We saw some footage of their top order last night and in a sense we were expecting that sort of start from them," he said.
"That's the way they play, that's great Caribbean cricket and it came off well for them tonight.
"It was a good wicket, but we just didn't play the conditions as well as we would have liked.
"It's such a great tournament and it's been hard to take your eyes of the television.
"It has been brilliant cricket and I guess we would be watching the game in a couple of days time a bit more closely."
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