Lahore Lions

September 13

The opening match will perhaps present the sternest test to the defending champions, with Pakistan’s domestic T20 champions being a formidable unit. Not only do the Lions have a blend of youth and experience, they have quite a few match-winners in the squad. Captain Mohammad Hafeez, opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad, impressive Umar Akmal and speedster Wahab Riaz all have it in them to change the course of a match within a matter of minutes. While Hafeez has led Pakistan’s T20 and ODI teams with distinction, Umar has displayed numerous times that he is one of the most talented batsmen among younger crop in international cricket. Shehzad recently became Pakistan’s first centurion in T20 internationals and Riaz has come of age during his second stint with the national team. If the Mumbai Indians can get past the Lions in a match which will obviously have an added edge to it with the cross-border face-off, there would surely be no stopping MI.

Southern Express

September 14

The Southern Express may have emerged as the best team in the Sri Lankan domestic T20 challenge. However, the match against them could well turn out to be the easiest challenge for the Mumbai Indians. For a simple reason, that it was Lasith Malinga who led the young squad to the Super Fours title in June. Malinga, the captain, brought out the best in the young squad to help them qualify for CLT20. However, with the match-winning bowler having joined Mumbai Indians for CLT20, not only has the Express slowed down but also Malinga would precisely know all the weak areas. If Malinga’s unavailability was not bad enough, the Southern Express were also dealt with another severe blow, with Tillakaratne Dilshan opting out of the tournament on Thursday.

Northern Knights September 16

The Kiwi teams have traditionally failed to prosper in CLT20. However, the Northern Knights would be hoping to come good during their debut CLT20 season. And they have every reason to be optimistic. No doubt they have been struck with a major setback with veteran spinner Daniel Vettori withdrawing from the event. Still, the Knights appear to be as competitive as any other team, at least on paper. If their star campaigners – Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Daniel Flynn, Aussie import Daniel Harris and seasoned Scott Styris – come to party, then they can emerge as a surprise package, not only in Qualifiers but also in the main event.