CLT20 Qualifier 3: Otago Volts vs Kandurata Maroons - Five players to watch out for

After a resounding win over Faisalabad Wolves in the opening match, HRV Cup (New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament) winners Otago Volts will look to continue the winning momentum as they take on Sri Lanka’s Kandurata Maroons in the third qualifier in Champions League T20 today.

The Sri Lankan T20 champions, despite a fluent batting display against Sunrisers Hyderabad last night, were simply unable to defend their total against a rampaging Shikhar Dhawan. They will have their hands full in order to curtail similar thunderous performances from the explosive Brendon McCullum, who demolished Faisalabad Wolves single-handedly.

It’s the bowling that has been a let down for the Maroons. The likes of Kulasekara and Ajantha Mendis struggled against the left-handers, so McCullum might be tempted to drop himself down the order in order for the youngsters to have a go.

In all likelihood, this promises to be a cracker of a contest, with both teams desperate to seal their spots in the tournament proper.

Here are five players who can change the complexion of the game by their sterling performances:

Shehan Jayasuriya (All-rounder, Kandurata Maroons)

FILE PHOTO: Shehan Jayasuriya during the first day of a three day practice match between the Sri Lanka Development Emerging Team and Bangladesh at the Uyanwatte Stadium in Matara on March 3, 2013.

He shares his surname with one of Sri Lankan cricket’s legendary opening batsmen, and it is no wonder that Shehan has chosen to be an all-rounder just like the ageless Sanath Jayasuriya.

The 22-year-old has shown the ability to drop anchor at one end and attack when the situation needs it – a key factor in his side’s victory in the Super 4’s Twenty20 tournament. Shehan has got all the shots in the book, though he couldn’t display his wares against the Sunrisers.

His off-breaks are not exactly interspersed with variations, but he was able to dismiss the free-scoring Parthiv Patel without too much fuss. Still, he can be one of the key performers for the side, and will look to do one better against the Volts today.