Cricket: Justin Langer ends on a low note as Somerset fail to reach semis

Published on Sunday 18 October 2009 23:11

DEPARTING Somerset captain Justin Langer admitted his side had not deserved to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League Twenty20 after their campaign ended with a convincing six-wicket defeat to New South Wales in Hyderabad.

Somerset's top order again failed to fire as they limped to an uncompetitive 111 for seven, a total the Blues eased past with 49 balls to spare.

It was Somerset's third defeat in a row in a tournament which they had started with a thrilling last-ball victory over the star-studded Indian Premier League champions, the Deccan Chargers.

"We have been outplayed for a lot of the tournament actually," said Langer who was playing his final competitive game following a 19-year career.

"It's really disappointing for our fans back home and it's disappointing for a team that has had a very good couple of seasons in England. But it has been an eye-opener for some our guys and a very good learning experience.

"It was such a wonderful opportunity for some of our young guys to be here in India and playing against world-class opposition."

After being asked to bat first, Somerset's innings was wrecked by three Stuart Clark wickets and they plummeted to 44 for five.

Brett Lee, Doug Bollinger and Nathan Hauritz claimed further wickets until Zander de Bruyn (23) and Wes Durston's unbeaten 20 helped the English county side at least pass the 100-run mark.

NSW opener Warner then put the Somerset bowlers to the sword, smashing 40 from 16 balls in a brief but entertaining innings, to ensure the Blues' place in the semi finals.

"We did lose our way at the start but, to be fair, we were up against a world-class bowling attack," Langer said.

"Brett Lee is bowling as well as ever and looks extremely fit and the other bowlers, Stuart Clark, Doug Bollinger, Moises Henriques and Nathan Hauritz, bowled beautifully.

"They outplayed us throughout the game. It was an excellent wicket and the outfield is as good as anywhere in the world. Sadly, we haven't played our best cricket, but we will work on that in the future."

The loss brought an end to the former Australia opener's time with the county and also ended his career from all forms of the game. "Yes, this is my final competitive game," the 38-year-old said.

"It's a little sad, but having said that I've played for a long time now and in my heart of hearts I know it's time.

"It's nice to finish off in India, playing in the toughest conditions I've ever played in."

&#149 Opener Hamilton Masakadza struck the second-highest one-day international score by a Zimbabwean to lead his side to a 142-run win over Kenya and wrap up their series 4-1.

The 26-year-old right-hander batted through Zimbabwe's innings to score 178 of his side's 329 for three.

It was Masakadza's third ODI century of his career – he also hit 156 in the opening game of the series – and included 17 fours and five sixes.

Kenya could muster just 187 all out in their reply to allow Zimbabwe to register their biggest ever win in terms of runs on home soil, surpassing the 131-run win over England in 1999.