Somerset – without the departed Marcus Trescothick – will almost certainly have to win both of their second stage games in the Champions League to progress to the semi-finals.

The Sabres qualified for the league stage when Trinidad & Tobago surprisingly beat Deccan Chargers on Wednesday night before Trescothick's stress-related problems re-emerged and he travelled home.

Somerset are now one of four teams in League A – including T&T, New South Wales Blues and Diamond Eagles.

However, because Justin Langer's men lost to the West Indians in the group phase it is Daren Ganga's side who carry the two points from that result through to the league.

Somerset's game against Diamond Eagles today is essentially an eliminator as the South African franchise also start the league section on zero points.

The sides play at the same Hyderabad venue that Somerset beat the Chargers at last week in an 11.30am (BST) start.

On Sunday, Somerset CCC must also try to overcome a New South Wales outfit laden with Australia internationals that also starts this stage on two points as it won Group B.

However, Langer is just delighted he is still in with a chance.

"If we hadn't have got through, that was the end of my career – never to play again. So at least I've still got two more games left in me," said the 38-year-old.

''It's been an emotional rollercoaster because when we beat Deccan Chargers in the first game it was one of the most exciting games I've played in. The crowd was massive and for our young guys it was huge. And then we got flogged by Trinidad – that was almost like a massive downer."

Somerset are now guaranteed prize-money of around £125,000 from the tournament with £300,000 the carrot for semi-final qualification.

"For some of the young guys, they've got the opportunity to earn a year's wage in two weeks, so for them it's massive. It's a really good thing," added Langer.

Eagles, who qualified from their group by beating English Twenty20 champions Sussex in a Super Over, have relatively few stars in their side. They are led by Leicestershire batsman Boeta Dippenaar with former Kent all-rounder Ryan McLaren their leading light.

Trescothick's absence is likely to offer out of contract all-rounder Wes Durston a chance to play.

Somerset will wear black armbands today in memory of committee man Colin Dickens, who died this week.

Taunton's County Ground will show both League A games with admission, which includes a pie and a pint, at £5.

Somerset (from): Langer, Kieswetter, de Bruyn, Suppiah, Trego, Hildreth, Durston, Phillips, Thomas, Waller, Willoughby, Banks.