Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 5 – Match Preview
Match 41 of the current Indian Premier League will see an inform Kolkata Knight Riders travelling to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk to take on the Chennai Super Kings, on April 30, 2012.
After a relatively sound period of success, which included five maximum points from their last three games, the Super Kings came unstuck against Kings XI http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833. The defeat in the previous game was attributed to their tendency of stretching out the game till the last over.
After restricting Kings XI on a gettable 156, Chennai openers started well before a middle-order hiccup left the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028’s men, who will be eying a swift recovery, and make full use of the home advantage.
While http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SK-Raina-c2539. The leading IPL run scorer has endured an abysmal campaign this term, and is among the major factors working against his side.
With him underperforming, it has further highlighted the indifferent contributions of MS Dhoni, which have also been below par. Despite coming in the latter stages of the innings, Dhoni has failed to make a mark in the ongoing season. His cameos have been few and far, so a wise move would be to promote himself up the order, while leaving the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Bravo-c1379 and Albie Morel to play the finisher’s role.
On the bowling front, all have been performing consistently. The team relies heavily on spin with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shadab-Jakati-c2475 and Ravindra jadeja. Despite evident lack of wickets, just 3 from 9 games, Ashwin’s economy rate has been impeccable, which has helped his side to restrict their opponents in the crucial middle stages.
The overseas contingent is expected to remain intact with du Plessis, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802, Bravo and Albie Morel filling their respective roles.
However, Chennai will have their work cut out when they face a strong Kolkata Knight Riders. The team has finally been able to cement a regular place among the top four, and will be confident going into the game following a thrashing of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692 also returning to form, the top order is as formidable as it gets.
Their major concern will be a vulnerable middle-order, comprising of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Manoj-Tiwary-c1890. The former has had little impact since joining the Kolkata franchise but is a proven match-winner, and his performances will be crucial for his team’s title run-in.
The bowling department has gone about doing its business in a convincing manner, with the pick being http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sunil-Philip-Narine-c91869. The Windies’ mystery spinner has taken 11 wickets from six games and is expected to cause plenty of problems for his upcoming opponents.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brett-Lee-c48419 has also found his rhythm and will be eager to perform against the Super kings.
The pitch at Chepauk will offer encouragement for slow bowlers, and will certainly make life tough for the side, batting second. The toss might prove to be decisive.
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