Underdogs Otago aim to upset Cape Cobras

Hyderabad:

They might be considered underdogs in the Champions League Twenty20, but New Zealand-based Otago Volts are confident of putting up a good show in the cash-awash event starting from October 8.

"We are pretty excited to be part of the tournament. We believe we have got a very good side. We believe that if we play to our potential, we have got a real chance in this tournament," Captain Craig Cumming told reporters here.

Volts have their first fixture against Cape Cobras here on October 10. Cumming said many players in his side have the experience of playing in the shorter version of the game, which would keep them in good stead.
Also read:

"I think we are a good balanced squad. We have got exciting batsmen and bowlers. We have got genuine strike makers. We have got the ability to adapt to the situations," he said.

Cumming said playing in the Indian conditions would not be a problem as many members in the team have played in the country earlier.

Coach Mike Hesson said though inexperience of some of the players is a weakness, the team has good batsmen and bowlers who can deliver results.

"I think we bat pretty tight. We have got good hitters right through the order. New ball bowlers take wickets first at the top. Spinners in the middle are always pretty challenging," he said.

All-rounder Nathan McCullum, brother of Brendon McCullum, said his plan of action would be to try and improve in all areas.

Nathan is an attacking middle-order batsmen who hit 14 sixes during the state Twenty20 competition in 2008-09.

He is an off-spinner with a good change of pace and is hailed for his ability to bowl doosra.

"I really enjoyed playing in India. I like India and I am really excited at the prospect of playing here again," he said.

Asked about the chances of his team, "I think we have a good chance. We are confident of what we going to do. We have got a lot of important experience in this team and lot of young and exciting talent. That sort of a mix would help us. I think we can be competitive and successful.