Indian Premier League and Cricket News by IPL Cricket Forum

Editorial: Mohit Goyal

Indian Premier League Match Preview

Kings XI Punjab v Deccan Chargers at Mohali

Punjab have sealed a place in the semis with rain washing out the match between Delhi and Kolkata. They will like to keep the winning form going running in to the knock out stages. The pre tournament favorites Deccan are out of contention but will like to prove a point and finish on a high note to give their fans something to look out for in the next season.

Men at the Helm

Yuvi and Gilly both have led their sides very well but the difference has been that while Yuvi’s boys have been excellent, Gilly’s men have simply been dismal.

We have the bat

Punjab batters are in superb form. The only concern for Punjab is the relative lack of form for Yuvraj Singh. Deccan meanwhile have been improving. The big stars didn’t fire in the last few matches but others took the centre. Actually its been the bowlers who have let them down in the last few matches.

We have the ball

In the bowling department Punjab look one up with Pathan being consistent through out the league and Sreesanth running into some serious form. Charger RP Singh might be amongst the leading wicket takers but his tally is very misleading because he has given too many runs for those wickets and very few of them are top order batsmen.

Patrolling Party

Punjab dropped a few catches in their last match against Mumbai but effected some pretty good run outs. They have had some off days but have generally fielded well. Deccan on the other hand have at the most been patchy. They need to field well today to pep up their bowlers.

High on betting meter

Punjab are sitting high on most betting meters with offerings of 4 on 7 while Deccan give 11 on 8.

Who gets the tick?

Punjab start as favorites for this match but one can never count out a team like Deccan. They have players who can make a day their own.

© IPL Cricket Forum

Editorial : Mohit Goyal

Indian Premier League Match Preview

Deccan Chargers v Kolkata Knight Riders at Hyderabad

Last time these two teams met, the pitch didn’t set up a happy background but the struggle was superb. The pitch at Hyderabad is likely to be batting friendly. Expect Chargers to come out with revenge on their minds.

Men at the Helm

Ganguly inspired his boys to victory in the last game against Bangalore with a man of the match performance and that too for his bowling. Gilchrist has led the side well in Laxman’s absence but the side is sorely missing his batting.

We have the bat

Batting of both these teams hasn’t been very good. Its only Rohit and Gilchrist, who have clicked for Deccan and even they haven’t fired together. For Kolkata, only David Hussey has looked convincing. But Taibu showed glimpses in the last match.

We have the ball

Knight Riders’ bowling is much stronger than Deccan which they proved in the last match against Bangalore too. Ishant has been phenomenal. Ojha has taken wickets for Chargers but been costly. They dearly want RP Singh to strike big

Patrolling Party

Barring two or three in each side both are average fielding units. But Kolkata were an inspired lot in the field in the last match and Taibu was a revelation.

High on betting meter

This is the reason why nobody dares to speak against this team called Deccan Chargers winning. Even loss after loss they are still higher on betting meter.

Who gets the tick?

Kolkata put in a great performance in the last match but its time for Gilly, Rohit, Gibbs and Styris to write their own script this time.

© IPl Cricket Forum