IPL T20 Preview: Kings will take on Super Kings

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni led Chennai Superkings will take on Indian vice-captain Yuvraj Singh led Punjab Kings eleven at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chennai IPL won the last ball thriller against Delhi Daredevils thanks to Gony and Badrinath. Chennai seems to have found an ideal batting lineup in that match after the exit of Hayden and Hussey. Punjab Kings Eleven is in superb form having won the last five matches. Chennai may find it difficult to stop Mohali to cruise to sixth straight victory. Winner of this match is almost assured of a berth in semi-finals of Indian Premier League. Chennai won the first round match against Mohali.

Stadium: MA Chidambaram stadium, Chennai.
Match timings: 8 PM – 11 PM.



Punjab Kings Eleven:

Punjab bounced back admirable after the initial losses and won five consecutive matches even after the exit of Brett Lee. It is playing in IPL with a bowling attack comprising of only Indian players. Punjab missed the services of Kumara Sangakkara due to injury.

Key cricketers:

1. Irfan Pathan: Leading wicket taker and useful batsman. Punjab needs to use him in batting also.
2. Shaun Marsh: This young man lifted the spirit of Punjab with stunning performances in the top order.
3. Yuvraj Singh: Big innings due.

Chennai Superkings:

Chennai’s international bowlers Muralidharan and Ntini are continuously failing to take wickets despite good bowling. It is depending too much on Manpreet Gony. Dhoni and Raina are failing to convert their good starts to match winning knocks. Balaji form is a good omen for Chennai.

Key players:

1. Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan: He played scintillating knock against McGrath & Co. Sreesanth needs to be more careful against him.
2. Dhoni: Big innings due.
3. Albie Morkel: Most important player in the Chennai team. He is one of the best all-rounders in IPL along with Shane Watson and Irfan Pathan. Piyush Chawla is the target.

Verdict: Punjab has edge over Chennai based on recent form. But Chennai batsmen may try to expose wayward Sreesanth and spinner Piyush Chawla. Match result will depend on who will win these battles. Chennai should not allow Shaun Marsh to explode in the initial overs.