Langer relies on favour from T&T

Justin Langer admitted his Somerset side failed to adapt to the conditions as they slipped to a heavy defeat in Bangalore

Somerset captain Justin Langer praised a “brilliant” Trinidad & Tobago after their 44-run win in Bangalore today - and hopes they can dish out similar treatment to Deccan Chargers.

The Sabres, who secured a last-ball victory over Indian Premier League champions Deccan in their opening Champions League match, were comfortably beaten in Bangalore to leave Group A wide open.

Somerset’s chances of progressing to the next stage now hinge on a T&T victory over the Chargers in Hyderabad on Wednesday - securing runners-up spot for Somerset - and Langer admitted: “I don’t think India would like me saying this, but I hope Trinidad beat Deccan.”

Denesh Ramdin hit a run-a-ball 39 to carry T&T to 150 for nine at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, before a stunning display with the ball saw Somerset bowled out for just 105.

Dwayne Bravo claimed 4-23 while spinners Sherwin Ganga and Dave Mohammed took two wickets apiece, with Zander be Bruyn’s unbeaten 43 the only contribution of note from the Somerset batsmen.

“Trinidad played brilliantly in all aspects of the game,” Langer said. “It’s a bit disappointing and we made it hard for ourselves. It was a good wicket, but we just didn’t play the conditions as well as we would have liked.”

T&T raced to 59 for three off six overs, thanks largely to Lendl Simmons’ 22 off 19 balls and opening partner William Perkins’ savage 20 off 11.

“We saw some footage of their top order last night and in a sense we were expecting that sort of start from them,” Langer added. “That’s the way they play. That’s great Caribbean cricket and it came off well for them tonight.

“It’s such a great tournament and it’s been hard to take your eyes of the television. It has been brilliant cricket and I guess we would be watching the game in a couple of days' time a bit more closely. We will know in the next few days just where we stand.”