One unit fresh from a thrilling win and the other gallant losers in a thrilling run chase face off at the De Beers Diamond Oval here on Saturday. A win here for the Chargers will push them to a safety zone as far as qualifying for the semi-final is concerned. With five wins from eight games, Adam Gilchrist and his men require a minimum of two more wins to move to the knockouts.

The preparation was no less intense. The Chargers are not in a mood to take things lightly. In a tournament where every game is crucial, this game is no different. “They put in a great run chase yesterday. They have the all-rounders in the side who lend a great deal of balance. It should be an exciting match. That we are playing for the first time adds to the contest,” said Gilchrist.

There has been very little cricket played in this ground. Only 35 days of cricket is played here every year as the local matches are shared with Bloemfontein. The wicket should be fresh and batsmen should enjoy the conditions. “It looks a good track and the outfield is fast. But there is always something in these parts for the bowlers if they operate in the right areas,” noted Gilchrist.

Few teams have started tossing the new ball to their spinners. And they have also been successful where the ball grips the surface. Gilchrist did not hint at any such plan. “It all depends on the wicket and conditions. Yes a spinner opening the attack was a surprise element in the game but not anymore, England opened with a spinner in a Test match. As an opener it does not upset the rhythm if you play a spinner straightway. Captains go in with different strategies and this is one of them,” said Gilchrist.

The Chargers will burn some midnight oil in deciding the combination. Andrew Symonds joining the team has opened a new avenue. “We will have to wait and see on how he pulls up after a long flight as there is a good chance he could be jet lagged. Everyone who has come in has contributed; Suman has been special with both the bat and ball,” said Gilchrist.

Symonds’ entry could force a few changes in the team combination. It could mean a longer wait for Chaminda Vaas to play his first game. “Leaving a player out is not difficult. Laxman and Vaas are high quality players we also have a few others who are yet to get a game. The good thing is everyone in the side is trying hard,” explained Gilchrist.

One area of concern for the Chargers has been their backup seamers who have struggled to hit the right length. “A few plans have not been well executed. Ryan Harris has added a lot of zip to the side. R.P. Singh has been great with swing. The spinners are chipping in well so overall as a bowling unit we are doing well and that is more important,” said Gilchrist.

Conditions favouring the bowlers and acute planning have taken the tournament interesting. Every game from now will be crucial. The last week has seen some intriguing battles. The bat has not been able to completely dominate the ball. Chargers will be eager to take a notch a win and move closer to the next stage and for that to happen they will have to bring down their mistakes in a few areas.