IPL5 - Kings XI Punjab v Deccan Chargers – Match Preview
Kings XI Punjab is all set to face the Deccan Chargers in the 61st game of Indian Premier League (IPL5), to be played at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali on Sunday, May 13, 2012.
Deccan Chargers are already knocked out off the play-offs, while, Kings XI still has a slight chance of making it into the final four but to accomplish that they must win all of their remaining matches.
The regular skipper of Punjab, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adam-Gilchrist-c918, is still a doubt for the match, as the Australian international has not fully recovered from the hamstring injury he picked earlier in the season. Therefore, David Hussey will continue
to lead the side in his absence.
Gilchrist has rubbished the claims that Kings XI will be under pressure, knowing they are in a must win situation. The former Australian international said, “I don't think so. I think you play with same intensity and intention
throughout the tournament because if you let one slip early you can't just guarantee that you can make up later.”
Deccan Chargers, led by Kumar Sangakkara, have won just two games in this season of IPL. Thus Kings XI http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833 will start the match as favourites. However, to Chargers’ advantage, Punjab’s record at home is not impressive and this
is something they will look to capitalize upon.
Sangakkara is wary of the threat posed by Punjab. The Sri Lankan, who will be playing for the pride of his side, has urged his players to come prepared if they want to avenge the 25-run defeat to Punjab at http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hyderabad-c792.
“They are a good solid side, with good all-round abilities and we know what they are capable of. It's not going to be an easy game against the Kings, they showed this when they played against us at Hyderabad. So, we will really
have to be on top our game tomorrow,” said Sangakkara.
The pitch at Mohali has been a paradise for batsmen, so a high scoring fixture is on the cards. Team batting first would like to score in excess of 160 runs.
Team Form:
Deccan has been below power throughout the tournament and is on a four match losing streak. Punjab, on the other hand, has not been consistent themselves. However, the team co-owned by Preity Zinta, the Bollywood star, has won
three of their last five fixtures.
Deccan Chargers (probable XI):
1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409, 11 Rusty Theron
Kings XI Punjab (probable XI):
1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/P-Kumar-c2143, 10 P Awana, 11 SD Chitnis
Tags: