 Kochi
Tuskers take on the Chennai Super Kings in the 18th game of the Indian
Premier League at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The two sides
will look to continue with their winning momentum that they had got from wins
in each of their last games, after having lost the one before that as well.
It could well be a thrilling game given that the two sides are evenly balanced.
However, between the two, if one were to choose one side, then it has to be Chennai
Super Kings because of the way that they have played so far - they have a better
balance and should be favourites.
Click for Live Score Card of Kochi Tuskers Kerala Vs Chennai Super Kings
The Tuskers cannot be ignored as a second string side out there to make the numbers.
They have a reasonable batting line-up which, on its day can destroy the opposition
no end. Apart from that, they can also take on the role of being a tad apprehensive
when things do not go their way.
Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene are two who will be those to watch
out for even as the likes of VVS Laxman and Ravindra Jadeja will do their
job.
The Kochi Tuskers Kerala side has batted well in both the games that they went down in as well
and that puts the onus now on their bowling and fielding to do the job for the
side.
The bowling for Kochi is another matter though. They have struggled to get things
right and till the time they do that, the wins will only be a few and far between.
Of course, it would have been good to see Sreesanth doing the job for his home
team, but instead the pleasing thing for the side was the way in which RP Singh
got his act corrected again.
Chennai has a good batting attack as well. They have pushed Michael Hussey
as their opening batsman and have ensured that they can get going well with
the bat. Murali Vijay is aggressive, S Badrinath is a good staller and
Suresh Raina can get the momentum whenever needed.
With MS Dhoni there to float in the batting order, the side looks good to go with
the bat.
Their bowing needs to be changed of course, getting in the likes of Ben Hilfenhaus
and Doug Bollinger into the attack, or at least one of the two players.
The Super Kings will be favourites to win this game.
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