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.
Click for Live Score Card of Chennai Super Kings Vs Hyderabad Deccan ChargersThe 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!
|