The second semi-final of the DLF IPL this year will be played between Deccan Chargers and the Chennai Super Kings. Deccan had qualified for the semi-finals on the second place in the points table and ended with 16 points, whereas Chennai were 3rd with 14 points.

Both sides needed to win their last game in order to qualify for the semi-finals. And both the sides recorded exciting wins over their opposition to make it through to the semi-finals. Chennai beat the Kings XI Punjab thanks to a smashing half century by M.S. Dhoni as the side scored more than 40 runs in the last three overs to clinch the game. In the other virtual quarter-final, the Deccan Chargers scored 140 plus and then restricted a Paul Collingwood knock to record the win.

The two sides will look to outdo each other in the semi-final that will be played at a so-called neutral ground in Mumbai, but with the Deccan Chargers having played here as a home ground in the early part of the tournament against Kolkata and Mumbai, it will be an interesting match-up.

Of course, Chennai will be worried about the issues that they may have with their opening pair. For one, Matthew Hayden form - or the lack of it - has put much pressure on the side, and secondly, it has meant that the team is over-reliant on Murali Vijay. And to expect Vijay to perform well in every game would be an exercise in futility.

This has meant that the side will need to have Hayden firing, or change things around. Chennai could be looking at bringing in Michael Hussey for the semi-finals despite the fact that he has looked a little out of place. The reason for that may be the fact that Hussey has played recently against the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds and could understand the manner in which they play.

For the Chargers, their five successive wins gives them the desired momentum to get into the finals by beating Chennai. They know the conditions at Mumbai more than Chennai, and most importantly, they will also be going in with so much confidence that it will give them the charge to run-over the Super Kings.

What they need to guard against is their backup bowling. For one, Mitchell Marsh could be targeted by the opposition, and the Chargers may want to change things around - probably get in Dwayne Smith. Secondly, the side will need to think about Rahul Sharma as well, given that he could provide easy fodder for the batsmen of Chennai who love batting against spin.

Chennai will be the favourites!

Tag :- Andrew Symonds   Chennai Super Kings   Deccan Chargers   Dwayne Smith   Matthew Hayden   Murali Vijay