Somerset captain Justin Langer was delighted to begin his side's trip to India with a warm-up win over New Zealand side Otago Volts.

The Sabres beat the Kiwis by eight wickets at the Gymkhana ground in Hyderabad, chasing down a modest target of 127 from their 20 overs thanks to 49 not out from Zander de Bruyn.

Somerset CCC have a low-key day-night game against a Hyderabad XI this evening as their final preparation for their Champions League Group A opener against Indian Premier League Deccan Chargers on Saturday.

Langer said last night: "If we are going to win this prestigious tournament then we have to get into winning habits early and continue them through the series.

"Today was a good start and with Marcus (Trescothick) arriving tonight the competition is on for a place in the starting XI for Saturday night."

Trescothick was last night en route to India, travelling with director of cricket Brian Rose and chairman Andy Nash, on his first overseas cricket trip since his stress-related illness in 2006.

He could even face Hyderabad tonight if the plane journey leaves him with no adverse effects.

Yesterday Somerset won the toss, decided to bowl and immediately put the Volts on the back foot with some fine new-ball bowling from Alfonso Thomas and Ben Phillips, who claimed 3-26.

Phillips said: "We had set plans which all the bowlers executed well.

"It was a good cricket wicket, value for your shots but had some pace and bounce for the bowlers so it was perfect prep for the next game."

Thomas claimed a brace of wickets, while there was a scalp each for de Bruyn, Pete Trego and Steffan Jones, who was making his maiden first-team appearance of the year for Somerset CCC.

The Welshman, who replaced the rested Charl Willoughby yesterday, played all his cricket this year on loan at Kent and Derbyshire and will join the latter county on a two-year contract after this tournament.

In the absence of Trescothick, Langer opened with the in-form Arul Suppiah.

The veteran Aussie was first out for 16 but Suppiah and de Bruyn added 83 in nine overs before Suppiah was out for 45 from 33 balls.

De Bruyn (49 from 33 deliveries) and Craig Kieswetter (17 from nine) then finished the job with overs to spare.

Otago, who are regarded as the rank outsiders of the 12 teams who have qualified for the Champions League, narrowly lost to Deccan Chargers on Tuesday.

Saturday's game will pit Langer against former Australia team-mate Adam Gilchrist, who is the captain of the Chargers. Langer said: "I'm glad that we are playing against them first up, actually.

"They are the champions of the IPL and a game against them would give us an indication of how close we are.

"We come from a very successful English summer and the confidence levels are high.

"The talent in the side is pretty good and, as long as we don't panic in the big moments and keep our focus on the game, I don't see why we cannot be successful."

The Champions League starts today, when Indian side Royal Challengers Bangalore face South Africa's Cape Cobras.