Cape Cobras eye 170-run total in CLT20 tie against Northern Knights

Raipur: Cape Cobras skipper Justin Ontong said that scoring 160-170 runs will be a good target to defend against Northern Knights in their opening Group B tie in view of the conditions prevailing at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh international stadium, here on Friday.

He, however, also pointed that if any side has a good bowling unit they would be able to defend any score.

"We have been watching the qualifying games here in Raipur. Teams batting second seem to be winning the games. I think 160-170 runs is a good score, also depends upon your bowlers. I think if you got a good bowling unit you would be able defend any score," Ontong, leading the South African side, said in a pre-match conference.

He also ruled out that the team will struggle in sub-continent conditions and said that Cobras are happy with the pitch.

"Watching some of the games here I was quite impressed with some of the wickets. Especially with the new ball the pace bowlers are doing good. I think the wicket has been generally very good...The track is as per South African liking," Ontong added.

Responding to a query on facing off a New Zealand side, which has been unbeaten in the qualifying round, Ontong said, "Probably they know the conditions very well and I think they know how to go about their plans. But we just got to make sure that we go on top of the game. Not to focus too much on Northern Knights."

On team preparation in view of injuries to middle-order batsman Jean-Paul Duminy and fast bowler Dale Steyn, Ontong said that injury to these players has indeed been a concern.

"Preparation has been good. We haven't played a lot of practice games in India but we did a lot of work back in home in South Africa. Probably the main guy (Duminy) is injured but we are just looking forward to perform well," Ontong said.

"We have got some experienced players in the squad. Players like Hashim (Amla), who has played all over the world and a lot in the sub-continent and he has huge experience. We are going to rely on his experience. Robin Peterson adds more strength to the team," the right-hand batsman added.