IPL5 - Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Match Preview
Indian Premier League's (IPL5) knockout stage has begun and the first elimination match of the event will be between reigning champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. The game is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, May
23, 2012 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.
The defending champion’s must consider themselves lucky to be playing the play-offs. CSK’s chances of making the final four were slim after they lost their last league game to Kings XI http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833, on Thursday, May 17.
In order for CSK to qualify, Deccan Chargers, the team that stayed at the bottom of the points table for most part of IPL5, was to defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rajasthan-c837 Royals.
It seemed like an impossible task as both RCB and RR had a stronger bench as compared to Chargers. However, lady luck was on Chennai’s side and Chargers, out of nowhere won both games.
CSK skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028, has urged his side to make the most of the chance that has come their way. He said, “We must not waste the second life given to us. We must execute our plans well because Mumbai will come hard
at us.”
Mumbai Indians will go into the match as slight favourites, as they performed better than their Wednesday opponents during the league stages. Furthermore, the Indians have played at Bangalore and defeated RCB in a high scoring
game.
On the other hand, CSK’s match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium was abandoned due to rain, without even a ball being bowled.
Batting has been a big issue for both sides. Super Kings bat deep down; however, the side has failed to impress in the tournament so far. For Mumbai Indians, opening has been the concern and the franchise is still searching for
a batter to open alongside http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Tendulkar-c2556.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598 did well today. It gives us options.”
Both sides are loaded with match winners. For CSK, Dhoni, along with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RG-Sharma-c2309 will hold
the key.
The deck at M Chinnaswamy Stadium has fetched a lot of runs in the eight games played there this season; therefore another high scoring fixture is expected. The team winning the toss would like to field first as it gets easier
to bat in the second innings.
Team form:
Chennai Super Kings have never been dominating in the league phase. But the side has always peaked when it matters the most. During IPL5's league round, CSK won 8 of their 16 matches, while Mumbai Indians emerged victorious in
10.
Mumbai Indians (probable XI):
1 SR Tendulkar, 2 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MM-Patel-c1987
Chennai Super Kings (probable XI):
1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BW-Hilfenhaus-c1204, 11 VY Mahesh
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