reevesa@avusa.co.za

THERE will be 18 full international cricketers facing off when the Chevrolet Warriors clash with the Nashua Cobras in their MTN40 semi-final in Paarl this afternoon (4pm).

The availability of national squad players to both teams has added an exciting dimension to the game and a classic limited-overs clash is expected.

The Warriors have eight players who have played for the Proteas, while the Cobras hold a slight edge with 10.

Graeme Smith and JP Duminy will be back for the Cobras.

The Warriors have included Jacques Kallis, Wayne Parnell, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher in their squad, in addition to existing national players like Johan Botha, Makhaya Ntini and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Add Nicky Boje to that list and it makes for impressive reading.

Despite a recent loss against the Cobras, the Warriors have shown some good form and coach Russell Domingo says they are looking to continue in that vein tonight.

“We started the competition well, then fell away a bit, but were happy to win three of our last four matches and we’ll be looking to take that momentum into the semi-final,” Domingo said.

“We’re not too concerned about playing in Paarl.

“There have been some good totals there so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Domingo is hoping his national stars play a decisive role:

“Look, it’s wonderful news for us to have players like Kallis and Boucher in the team and it’s a great opportunity for the younger guys to learn from them.”

But it’s the form of left- handed batsman Colin Ingram that has helped get the Warriors into the semi-finals.

He is the competition’s leading run-scorer and is fresh off 125 not out against the Lions in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

Add five half-centuries to that and it’s been a pretty good run for the 24-year-old.

The Warriors need to tame the Cobras tonight.

The squads are:

WARRIORS: Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Justin Kreusch, Mark Boucher, Davy Jacobs (capt), Johan Botha, Nicky Boje, Wayne Parnell, Rusty Theron, Jon-Jon Smuts, Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Andrew Birch.

COBRAS: Graeme Smith, Andrew Puttick, Herschelle Gibbs, JP Duminy, Justin Kemp (capt), Justin Ontong, Stiaan van Zyl, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, François Plaatjies, Sybrand Engelbrecht