The battle for the one remaining semi-final place; that is the reality of the contest between Maharashtra United and Warriors T.T.C. in the CEAT UTT in Kolkata on Wednesday 27th June.

Both outfits have endured varying fortunes, now in what is the concluding contest for both teams in the first phase of proceedings, it will be progress or farewell.

Maharashtra United with a total of 38 points is very much the team on a high. Against Dabang Smashers T.T.C., at the time clear leaders, they recovered from a 2-7 overall deficit to record a 12-9 win. It was a quite remarkable performance. Key to the success was Elizabeta Samara; the left ankle strapped, movement curtailed, she played with high quality to beat both Adriana Diaz and Manika Batra. The five points collected proved invaluable.

Maharashtra United need a similar professional performance against Warriors; especially with fellow left-hander Sofia Polcanova in the opposing team the latter’s most successful player to date. She has collected a total of 15 points.

Undoubtedly, the fitness of Elizabeta Samara is an item in question. However there is no doubt about the fitness of her colleague, Amalraj Anthony. Against Dabang Smashers he was on fire beating Cédric Nuytinck by three games to nil. He could well have a major impact on proceedings as could his colleague Achanta Sharath Kamal. In opposition to RP-SG Mavericks he came back to form after experiencing a rather indifferent start to the campaign. He partnered Hanna Matelova to a 2-1 success against Harmeet Desai and Doo Hoi Kem before overcoming Mattias Karlsson with a similar margin.

Warriors will need Sharath Kamal to be on top form, as will they require his teammates Chuang Chih-Yuan and Quadri Aruna. Meanwhile for Maharashtra, Kristian Karlsson and João Monteiro could swing the balance in their side’s favour.

Tense times await in Kolkata.