http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Warriors-c861 – IPL 5 – Match Preview
After claiming a convincing win in the opening game of the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League against defending champions Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians will look to maintain their winning ways when they take on underdogs Pune Warriors at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, today, April 6, 2012.
The Mumbai franchise dismantled Chennai in what one could describe as a complete performance. Their new signings all made a mark and the team already has shown strong intent of claiming their first title after missing out narrowly last year.
They certainly have a power-packed line-up, including newest sensation http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Chinnadupargea-Sachin-c50607’s availability, which has been thrown into doubt after the Little Master picked up a finger injury.
Nonetheless, the franchise has plenty of fire power in their rank and the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SK-Raina-c2539.
Also their usual suspects, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Harbhajan-Singh-c61453 to start his captaincy stint on a winning note and also making everyone notice their strength in the current season.
Their opponents, Pune Warriors, had to face major distractions before the start of their camp. The owners, Sahara Group, were embroiled in battle with the BCCI and also sat out the final auction. Their major concern surrounded over a lack of support shown by the highest governing body in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 and fell betrayed after they were not granted an open auction.
They will be missing their talisman and most influential player, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sourav-Chandidas-Ganguly-c90746 and entrusted him with a difficult job of turning around the team’s fortune after a poor first season.
The Bengali left-hander is definitely past his best but will be working more as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Mentor-c41238 for the team. Following an end to their off-field controversy, Ganguly has managed to assemble an effective, if not a celebrity laden group.
They have the fiery nature of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tamim-Iqbal-c2640. The left-hander was a revelation in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2012 and will be looking to add steel upfront.
Also they have some quality T20 specialists in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913 join them from their international commitments.
The bowling department, somewhat, lacks a big name – with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/NL-McCullum-c2120 as their slow bowlers.
Both teams have played each other twice, with Mumbai conjuring up win in both games. The odds are again stacked against the Warriors but the nature of the shorter version suggests that one should expect a close encounter.
The pitch will be aiding batters but spin will again pose serious questions.
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