Blues beat Somerset, make it to semi-final

Hyderabad, Oct 18 (IANS) New South Wales Blues stormed into the semi-final of the Champions League Twenty20 with a thumping six-wicket victory over Somerset here Sunday.

Somerset, put in to bat, could make only 111 for seven in 20 overs, thanks largely to vital contributions from the lower order after the top five caved in for 44 runs.

In reply, New South Wales got an explosive start through David Warner, who smashed 40 off just 16 balls that included six fours and two sixes.

Philip Hughes (18) and Daniel Smith (20) chipped in with the bat and the Blues’ reached the target with 49 balls to spare.

The Australian side, after losing their last match to Trinidad and Tobago, came back strongly this day to earn the biggest victory of the tournament.

Everything worked out perfectly for the Blues’ since Simon Katich won the toss and decided to bowl.

Stuart Clark (3-15) led the bowling charge, scathing through the Somerset top-order.

Clark was introduced into the attack in the fifth over and took two wickets in the over. Craig Kieswetter (13) holed out to mid-on and Justin Langer gave a catch to deep midwicket.

Clark removed James Hildreth in the next over, as he top-edged a pull shot to fine-leg. Arul Suppiah was run out in the same over and Somerset were reduced to 39 for 4. Peter Trego was dismised by Nathan Hauritz and the England side was tottering at 44 for five.

It took some effort from the lower order batsmen — Zander de Bruyn (23), Omari Banks (15) and Wes Durston (20 not out) — to give some respectability to the score.

A blistering knock from Warner ensured Blues face no hiccup in the run-chase. Warner added 56 runs with Hughes which came in just 28 balls.