 Although plenty of cricket is still to be played in the Indian Premier League
this season, the teams are reaching a stage where they cannot afford further slip
ups if they are to have any hope of reaching the semi-finals. Two such teams,
Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers, will be in action on Friday against
each other.
Deccan Chargers have won only two matches so far, and five points from nine matches
leaves them rather precariously placed for a qualification in the final four.
Both their wins have come against Pune Warriors, and it will take something special
from them to beat the two time defending champions Chennai on Friday.
Click for Live Score Card of Chennai Super Kings Vs Hyderabad Deccan Chargers
The good fortune for Chargers has been their batsmen's ability to fire eventually.
Cameron White has played two glorious knocks while Kumar Sangakkara,
the captain, also looked menacing in his 52-ball 82 in the last match. The two
also added 50 runs in two overs to escalate the total to a grand 186. The bowlers
need to step their game up as a struggling Dale Steyn often spells trouble
for them. Steyn went for 46 runs without a wicket.
Chennai Super Kings have tasted three defeats in a row and the alarm
bells would be starting to ring now given that they are slipping low quickly.
Against Kolkata Knight Riders, they had a troubled time with the bat as too
many batsmen were yet again guilty of playing in and getting out.
Suresh Raina, the only batsmen with more than 2000 runs in the IPL, will be
the key while Michael Hussey will also be hoping to impress following
his arrival from the West Indies. The bowlers have had little to write about
but will be hoping that an improved showing by the batsmen gives them enough
room to play with.
The match will be played in Chennai, starting at 8.00pm. In the earlier meeting
between the two teams, Chennai won by 74 runs in a match where Ravindra Jadeja
starred with both bat and ball.
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