Chennai Super Kings vs http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rajasthan-c837 Royals – IPL 5 - Match Preview
Another intriguing match of the Indian Premier League season 5 pits Chennai Super Kings against an inform Rajasthan Royals’ side, at the Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, today, April 21, 2012.
The tournament now surely enters its second phase, with most teams having played one-third of their matches. It all bogs down to some fascinating encounters in days to come, as the franchises look to make a significant push, and secure a place in the
top four.
The upcoming two opponents have had contrasting fortunes – Chennai have had a slow start to their campaign but recent wins have allowed them to occupy a solid mid-table position. They are peaking at the right time and another win will surely see them take
up a much familiar place on the points table.
Having said that, it has been really fascinating to watch Royals play, who have made giants leaps in the initial phases, which could only be beneficial at the business end of the competition. Their consistency has been remarkable, and they will certainly
feel confident going into their upcoming game against the defending champions.
Both sides have diverse strengths and their respective previous games clearly depicted a glimpse of that. The Super Kings’ are known for their ability to handle pressure, and just showed it by holding their nerves in a tight match against the Pune http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Warriors-c861.
Despite being provided with a century stand by their new opening pairing of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 in trademark fashion.
The target was still reasonable for any side to chase but Chennai remained confident in their bowling resources and exploited the conditions skillfully to halt their opponents. They team is spin heavy with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Ashwin-c2228 leading the way, followed by
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shadab-Jakati-c2475.
Royals’ last game against the Deccan Chargers was a thrilling high-scoring affair, which culminated in a last-over win. They rely on their limited resources to provide them with a strong momentum, which could be carried on for the rest of the game.
After being set a daunting 197, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brad-Hodge-c1184 ensured that his side prevailed in fitting manner.
Despite currently above their opponents, Royals will have a tough task in overcoming Chennai at Chepauk. The track will certainly be on the slower side, which will make batting, and stroke making, tougher. It will be interesting to see how the leading scorer,
Rahane, adapts to the variable nature of the strip as most of the runs he has scored have come on relatively batting friendly surfaces of Jaipur and Bangalore.
Both teams are likely to go in with the same composition which played in the preceding bouts however, the Royals might include http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kevon-Cooper-c71194, the Windies’ all-rounder, provided he is fit. His slow-medium pace will be tough to hit.
As discussed earlier, the pitch will help slow bowlers but certainly will also offer assistance to batters – so anything above 150 will be difficult to chase.
Chennai easily chased down 148 in last year’s clash against Royals at the same venue and will be hoping for a similar outcome today.
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