Match Preview: 2nd IPL Semi Final - Mohali Vs Chennai
May 31st, 2008Editorial: Mohit Goyal
Indian Premier League Match Preview – Semi final 2
Kings XI Punjab Vs Chennai Super Kings
Semi final 2 is to be played between the teams which stood at the second and third positions in the league.
The Armies – Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings
Kings XI Punjab with 20 points stood at the top of the league winning 10 of their 14 matches.Delhi Daredevils qualified by grabbing the third. They were victorious in 8 of their 14 matches. They ended on 16 points.
The Battleground – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Wankhede always has purchase for spinners and there was enough encouragement for spinners in the first semi final.
Knock out time
Chennai had a brilliant start to their campaign, winning four in a row largely courtesy some fireworks by Aussies Hayden and Hussey. After that, they have been dismal winning just four of the next ten matches. Punjab lost their opening two matches but after that have played some magnificent cricket. They seem to have momentum on their side with a big win over table toppers Rajasthan Royals in their last league match.
Jab we met
Interestingly Chennai beat Punjab both the times these two teams met in the league. In the first match, it was a blistering century from Michael Hussey while in the second it was a hattrick by Lakshmipathy Balaji. But things have changed since then. While Punjab have just gone on and risen higher and higher, Chennai haven’t been the same force after departure of Hayden, Hussey and Oram.
Vice is Wise
The Vice Captain of Team India, Yuvraj Singh has had a terrific tournament as a captain. He’s encouraged youngsters like Piyush Chawla and VRV Singh and the way he has handled Sreesanth has been extremely commendable.
Dhoni on the other hand has shown why he is the best man at helm for India. He has led by example and using the limited resources he had, has done a superb job. There was not much natural talent and fire power in his team after Hayden. Hussey and Oram left for national duties but he used whatever resources were available very well.
Punjab 1 Chennai 0
The Aussie duo of Marsh and Hopes at the top gives Punjab a distinct advantage with consistent brisk and big starts. Chennai on the other hand miss a thrasher at the top after Hayden left. Parthiv and Fleming had started to do well in the last few matches but Fleming had to leave to be with his expecting wife. Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan is likely to open the innings with Parthiv. This might be a blessing in disguise as he is a big hitter and may just give Chennai the much awaited big booming start.
Indian Tadka
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King Sreesanth and Super King Balaji have shown superb variations in their bowling. If Sreesanth has been amongst the leading wicket takers, Balaji has a hattrick plus five wicket haul to his name.
All Round Corner
Irfan Pathan has been a big factor in Punjab’s success. He has taken wickets and clobbered the ball in the final overs. Albie Morkel’s performance for Chennai in the Indian Premier League has earned him a central contract in South Africa. He has bowled with pace and hit some huge sixes.
In front and behind the wickets
Dhoni and Sangakkara have been the best wicketkeeper batsmen on the league. They have been athletic behind the wickets and majestic in front. These two gentlemen can take the game by the throat.
Spin quotient
Both the teams seem to be high on spin quotient with young leggie Piyush Chawla coming up with goods for Punjab and Chennai with the wily Murali in their ranks. Wankhede pitch will play a factor and these two will be looking to make full use
Silent Assassins
Mahela Jayawardene for Punjab and Suresh Raina for Chennai have played crucial role in the middle overs for their respective teams. The teams would be looking up to them to keep the score board in the middle overs if wickets happen to fall.
Toss Tell
Kings XI bowlers have bowled well in most matches and they have a strong bowling line up. They would like to win the toss and bowl first so that they know what they are chasing. Chennai’s bowling hasn’t been consistent but is getting better. They would like to bat first to avoid their batsmen walking out with pressure of chasing a big score. They would also look at the first semi final and notice how even the best of batsmen can crumble in high pressure situations. They will be hoping that same happens to Marsh and co.
It’s my day
Shaun Marsh and Yuvraj Singh for Kings and Dhoni and Morkel for Super Kings will hold the key to their teams’ success. Who ever makes the day his own will give his team a great chance.
Weight in the pan
Punjab seem to be the favorites to pull this one off but never count out Morkel, Dhoni, Murali and Ntini, who have won many a matches on their own.
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Tags: balaji, Chennai super kings, Dhoni, Goni, Hopes, indian premier league, IPL, Kings XI Punjab, Michael Hussey, Mohali, Ntini, Piyush, Sangakkara, Singh, YuvrajPosted in Cricket News, IPL - Chennai Super Kings, IPL - Mohali - Kings XI Punjab, IPL Match Preview, IPL News |