Neither Sourav Ganguly nor Harbhajan Singh remember the last time they faced each other in a domestic match.
On Saturday, the two will test each other's skills when Bengal and Punjab clash in the Vijay Hazare semifinals at the Palam ground. The other semifinal, between Delhi and Mumbai, will be at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground.
Harbhajan and his team has played a good number of matches at the Palam ground in the past month. Punjab batsmen are better prepared to deal with the unpredictable bounce and turn.
Ganguly did not think Punjab held any edge because of its familiarity with the playing surface. Even with medium pacer Ashok Dinda and batsman Manoj Tiwary preparing for National duty, Ganguly believes his team has the resources to deal with the opposition.
Punjab, having lost the services of leg-spinner Rahul Sharma for the upcoming Asia Cup, has reasons to fancy its chances. It has a fair number of all-rounders and those capable of using the long handle to good effect.
The Delhi-Mumbai clash holds its own charm. Delhi, without Guatam Gambhir, could well be a shade lucky if Ashish Nehra chooses to play the match. A hamstring niggle has left Nehra wondering whether to play on Saturday or come well rested for North Zone's semifinal clash at Dharamshala on March 18. With the Indian Premier League just round the corner, Nehra needs no reminding of his priorities.
Toss has played a vital role in the matches so far at the Kotla ground. Putting the opposition in on a damp pitch has ensured success. Given the batting might of the two teams, it will be interesting what kind of target is set.
Mumbai, under Ajit Agarkar, has a good mix of experience and young talents. Tested campaigners like Wasim Jaffer, Ajinkya Rahane and Abhishek Nayar along with several keen aspirants make Mumbai a serious contender.
Delhi relies more on experience. It has a settled side with skipper Rajat Bhatia, Mithun Manhas, Shikar Dhawan, all capable of playing match-winning knocks. Medium pacers Parvinder Awana, Pawan Suyal and Pradeep Sangwan have not let Delhi miss the services of Nehra in the limited-over format this season.
Overall, notwithstanding the importance of toss, it is anybody's contest.
