Watch Mumbai Indians vs Highveld Lions CLT20 Preview

The third edition of the Champions League T20 kicks off in style with the much fancied Mumbai Indians taking on South African side Highveld Lions at the ‘bullring' on Friday the 10th of September. This Group B game is even more intriguing because of the sheer fact that it pits a star-studded side against a team which has not many players known on the international stage, yet have played together for a longer time, have many utility players who can be dangerous in a 20-over format and can beat any side on their day.

The Lions will also take home advantage along with them into the game, with fans in South Africa expected to cheer for the two home teams, and Sachin Tendulkar's men will have to overcome a hostile Wanderers crowd in order to chalk up their first win in the tournament. With each team slated to play four group games before the semi-final line-ups get decided, it will be essential to start off on a winning note and both teams will try hard to grab the early momentum.
Mumbai Indians:
First-timers in the Champions League, the third season of the IPL culminated in Mumbai's best showing so far, with Sachin's side falling just short of the final hurdle. Having romped through the group stages as clearly the best side in the tournament, Mumbai were left heartbroken in the final where a determined Chennai Super Kings took away the trophy.
The talented squad though, will look to make amends in South Africa, and with the kind of hitting prowess and bowling armoury at Sachin's disposal, they can very well go all the way. The fit-again Zaheer Khan will join Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga in what looks like an imposing attack, with either of Ryan McLaren or Dwayne Bravo slated to share the burden with these three.
The Ambati Rayudu - Saurabh Tiwary duo sizzled in IPL 2010 and the team management would hope the youngsters continue to call the shots in South Africa. Tendulkar's presence at the top of the order should help calm nerves and along with the aggressive Shikhar Dhawan, the master blaster would like to ensure a solid start. JP Duminy will play his usual anchor role in the middle order, while Kieron Pollard will be incharge of the blasting duties.
(Click here for our comprehensive team preview)

Highveld Lions:
Captained by Alviro Peterson, the Lions fought their way through to second place in the Standard Bank Pro20 series, guaranteeing themselves a place in the ultra-rich CLT20. Though the team is low on star power, they have an able captain in Peterson and with the experience of Neil McKenzie to bank on, they cannot be underestimated.
Both Peterson and McKenzie are bankable T20 players, not the kinds who will set the house on fire, but probably the ones who will more often than not put runs on the board and hold the innings together. Jonathan Vandiar is another young and exciting talent, and with 187 runs for the Lions in the Pro20, he will be expected to play a crucial role in the Champions League.
Though the Lions have only two frontline bowlers in Ethan O'Reilly and Craig Alexander, their strength lies in the huge number of all-rounders in the side. Robert Frylink, one of those all-rounders, was the highest wicket-taker in the Pro20 series and he will continue to bowl in familiar conditions, making him one of the bowlers to watch out for in the tournament. Zander de Bruyn, a veteran T20 player with 77 domestic matches against his name, is another promising all-rounder the Lions would depend hugely on.
(Click here for our comprehensive team preview)

Likely Playing XI's:

Mumbai Indians: Shikhar Dhawan, Sachin Tendulkar (c), Ambati Rayudu, JP Duminy, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard, Rajagopal Sathish, Ryan McLaren/Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Lasith Malinga
Highveld Lions: Alviro Peterson (c), Jonathan Vandiar, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Neil McKenzie, Thami Tsolekile, Zander de Bruyn, Robert Frylink, Shane Burger, Richard Cameron, Cliffie Deacon, Ethan O'Reilly
Watch Out For:
Sachin Tendulkar: Tendulkar is likely to relish the opportunity of facing some of the top T20 sides in the world, and knowing his hunger to succeed, he will want to make the best of the opportunity. If he gets stuck into the Lions early, the South African spectators may well forget hopes of the home side winning!
Alviro Peterson: One of the few players in his side to have international experience, Peterson will have to lead from the front if his team is to make an impact. Expect the man to carry his run-scoring form into the tournament and make life tough for opposition sides.
Form Guide:
Mumbai Indians (LWLWW)
25th April, 2010: Chennai vs. Mumbai at Mumbai: Chennai won by 22 runs - match report
21st April, 2010: Bangalore vs. Mumbai at Mumbai: Mumbai won by 35 runs - match report
19th April, 2010: Kolkata vs. Mumbai at Kolkata: Kolkata won by 9 wickets - match report
17th April, 2010: Bangalore vs. Mumbai at Bangalore: Mumbai won by 57 runs - match report
13th April, 2010: Mumbai vs. Delhi at Mumbai: Mumbai won by 39 runs - match report
Highveld Lions (LWWWW)
12th March, 2010: Warriors vs. Lions: Warriors won by 82 runs
5th March, 2010: Lions vs. Titans: Lions won by 10 runs
24th Feb, 2010: Titans vs. Lions: Lions won by 4 wickets
21st Feb, 2010: Lions vs. Eagles: Lions won by 2 runs
19th Feb, 2010: Dolphins vs. Lions: Lions won by 6 wickets
Prediction: While Mumbai will depend on star power, the Lions will want to take advantage of home conditions and the fact that they are comparatively a more settled outfit. Mumbai will have to overcome the challenge of acclimatizing to the local conditions, though having said that, the edge will remain with them thanks to a host of game-breakers in their line-up.