The Cape Cobras now need to prove that they have what it takes to wrap up a good series with a clinching performance.

It was finally October 8. The countdown had ended and the festivities had begun. The boys from Bangalore had sharpened their claws and taken the field that they knew so well. It was all going according to plan.

The CLT20 opening ceremony was a glorious success, the crowd was huge and vociferous and the Chinnaswamy was characteristically amplifying every cheer. Lights, toss and action. A hundred and eighty splendid runs were scored by the Challengers and victory was imminent. What was predicted to be the home team's first flourish, however, turned into an ode to a South African team that stormed its way into the competition powered by one fearless Capetonian - JP Duminy. His unbeaten 99 announced the arrival of a side that would emerge favourites in a tournament of big names and illustrious antecedents.

From that first assault, Cape Cobras strode confidently and almost clinically into each successive contest unimpeded by the loss of their formidable captain - Graeme Smith - to injury. Andrew Puttick, the replacement captain, came into his own with a match-winning knock century in their second game, played against the Otago Volts from New Zealand. The game catapulted the little known Puttick to the cricketing stratosphere in twenty action-packed overs.

Their next hurdle were the mighty Victorian Bushrangers, a characteristically Australian side, unfazed by little and ready for the big challenge. On a bright Diwali afternoon, in a match truncated to 17 overs a side, the Cobras managed to keep that threat at bay. Henry Davids came to the party and the Cobras emerged victors, comprehensively beating their opponents at a joyous Chinnaswamy.

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The game against Delhi Daredevils proved to be the only obstacle in an otherwise smooth drive to the semi-finals. Dirk Nannes' sizzling bowling and some gritty batting by Owais Shah undid the efforts of Rory Kleinveldt with the ball and Delhi parted the competition on a winning note. Much has been made of Andy Puttick's contentious decision to bowl first on a difficult Delhi wicket. The captain admitted that the decision, in hindsight, was erroneous. Also, Hersechelle Gibbs' form with the bat has been abysmal. The captain, however, feels Gibbs is too good a player to stay out of the action for too long. He might just light up the big games for his side.

The stage is set for another spectacular show from the boys from Cape Town. They had made it to CLT20 thanks to some glorious performances in the domestic T20 cup that they won. And not many of their followers back home have been surprised by their fine run in this fledgling competition.

All eyes on the first semi-final where they clash with the unbeaten T&T in Hyderabad. The Cape of Good Hope will be wishing for a lucky outing for the boys who've done them proud.

Courtesy: clt20.com

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