The Indian Premier League gears up for its final couple of matches with the race narrowing down to three teams for the title. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils will meet in Chennai in the second qualifier to be played on Friday to determine which team faces Kolkata Knight Riders in the all-important final on Sunday.
Delhi Daredevils suffered a surprising 18-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in the first qualifier. They would be keen to avoid a fate similar to the 2009 season when, after dominating the league stage, they bowed out in the semi-final.
In the first qualifier, their batting failed to fire collectively as a unit – something that had been their hallmark through the season. Mahela Jayawardene top scored with 40 but they will need plenty of firepower from David Warner and Virender Sehwag.
Sehwag also has to strategize to manage his bowlers well after they were taken for runs later in the innings. Morne Morkel’s wicketless show would be a worrying sign.
Chennai Super Kings are now another step closer to making three titles in a row. Luck has been on their side as they sneaked through to the playoffs in dramatic style and also outplayed Mumbai Indians in a match where they were initially struggling.
Dwayne Bravo and MS Dhoni will be eager to repeat their exploits from Wednesday that saw the team pile up 187 after a modest score at the halfway stage. Dhoni scored 51 off 20 while Bravo had 33 off 14. Bravo also did well with the ball, drying up the boundaries at critical moments.
In addition, the fielding was superb and could provide a pivotal edge to the Super Kings. Now, only if Suresh Raina could come to party after missing out through the rest of the tournament, the Super Kings will go into the game as favourites to win this one.
The match will start at 8.00pm in Chennai where a full-house is expected to support the home team. Delhi Daredevils were also thoroughly outplayed in the league match played here.