As the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 has entered its League Stage, here are the five defining moments of the group stage.

1. Duminy's dominion

Cape Cobras clinching the series opener
RCB vs Cape Cobras, October 8, Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore went in as favourites into the Airtel CL T20 opening game -- home ground, established names and a great IPL-2 behind them. They were pitted against a South African side that had lost its eminent and dependable captain, Graeme Smith, to injury. It seemed like the perfect script for the Bangalore boys to display their heroics. And that they did, posing a formidable score of 180. What they hadn't accounted for was the powerhouse from Cape Town, JP Duminy. He stormed into Airtel CL T20, drowning the home team in his wake. A glorious and unbeaten 99 will go down as one of the greatest T20 knocks on a massive stage.

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2. On field and on air

Henry Davids effecting a run-out while talking to com box
Cape Cobras vs Otago Volts, October 10, Hyderabad

It's the age of connectivity, communication and constant contact. And the cricket field is no longer an exception. When Henry Davids threw the ball in from the long-on position to wicketkeeper Canning who went on to dislodge the bails, Neil Broom and notions of on-field players' detachment from the world were both dismissed. The Cape Cobras' player was miked up and connected to the commentary box as the ball came his way and spectators were privy to his shuffling on the field and throwing the ball in not just through the visuals, but also through the audio feed. A first in cricketing history.

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3. Last ball, last chance

Alfonso Thomas stealing a last-ball win over Somerset
Deccan Chargers vs Somerset County Cricket Club, October 10, Hyderabad

Two wickets, 12 dot balls and 30 runs off the bat. Alfonso Thomas' outstanding all-round performance pulled the rug from underneath the home boys and favourites, Deccan Chargers. Chasing 154, Somerset were struggling at 99 for 7 at one stage, but managed to get themselves into a position where they needed one run off the last ball with one wicket in hand! Alfonso Thomas was in a situation that's sure to make even the hardiest cricketer rethink his reasons for putting himself in this nerve-wracking predicament. Thankfully, for Somerset, Thomas' pulled off modern cricket's favourite ending, a last-ball win.

4. The Pigeon returns

Glenn McGrath's performance against Wayamba Elevens
Delhi Daredevils vs Wayamba Elevens, October 11, Delhi

The last time he played competitive cricket was in April 2008. In IPL-2, he was benched and replaced by Dirk Nannes. In the first Delhi Daredevils encounter, he was not in the playing XI either. So, when Glenn McGrath took the field in the important game for the Daredevils, delight was mixed with a bit of apprehension -- not every comeback is glorious and in the T20 arena, a forced absence can dent even a hero's spirit.

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But Pidge had no time for ruminating. He came, took two immaculate wickets and gave fans a glimpse of the staggering skills that make him a modern great in any format. "I just had to bowl in the right place", was what he had to say about his effort.

5. Eliminator: The rise of the Eagles

Dwayne Smith dismissal in Eliminator Over
Diamond Eagles vs Sussex Sharks, October 13, Delhi

A tie in a T20 game is as rare as a happy batsman on a Delhi pitch in this tournament. But that's just what happened in the second game at the Kotla on October 13. What looked like a slow and sedate game to begin with turned into a cracker. The Diamond Eagles seemed to be gliding to an easy victory when things got bad enough for them to evoke the much feared chokers tag that South African teams have historically had to contend with. A Super Over ensued, a new quantity for all but the Eagles -- they had to play out a similar over to win a tied match in their domestic competition earlier this year. CJ de Villiers knocked off Dwayne Smith's stump as the Sussex batsman attempted a swing. The next delivery saw another wicket for the Eagles and they had flown out of trouble and into the safety of the League Stage.

Courtesy: clt20.com