Cricket: Somerset reach semi-finals

County side carves out fighting win, NSW also into CL T20 last-four.

Somerset qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League Twenty20 beating Warriors by 12 runs in a must-win game for the County side.

Chasing a competitive 147 for victory on a tricky pitch, Warriors looked set for a comfortable win at 79 for one, with Jon-Jon Smuts (38) and Colin Ingram (31) leading the charge.

But following their exit, Somerset tightened the screws and some disciplined bowling by Alfonso Thomas (two for 16) and Murali Karthik (two for 23) ensured the narrow win and the progress through to the semis.

Earlier, Somerset reached a fighting total thanks to Craig Kieswetter (56*) and Roeluf van der Merwe (32) who were involved in a 48-run second-wicket partnership.

Warner leads NSW charge

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings were knocked out after a 46-run loss to New South Wales (NSW), who qualified for the semi-finals, thanks to a brilliant 135 by David Warner.

Chasing 202 to win, Chennai were off to a good start with Michael Hussey (37) and Murali Vijay (17) putting on 55. But following Hussey’s dismissal, Chennai lost their way losing wickets at regular intervals. Steve O’ Keefe bowled well claiming three scalps.

However, the star of the show was Warner, who in a scintillating display hit the hapless Chennai bowlers all over the park, with the help of 11 boundaries and eight sixes, his innings ensuring that NSW crossed the 200-run mark.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2011.