Match Preview

Chennai Super Kings will clash with the Rajasthan Royals in Match 37 of Pepsi IPL 2014.

Barring Kings XI Punjab, who have defeated them twice this season, no other opponent has really competed against the Chennai Super Kings. In their most recent outing against the defending champions Mumbai Indians, they ended their win-less streak at the Wankhede Stadium by beating the hosts quite convincingly. Skipper MS Dhoni, who is known to seal close matches, did the honours in style on that occasion too.

Rajasthan Royals must be buoyed by their five-wicket victory against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous outing. After Yuvraj Singh had announced his return to form with a blazing 38-ball 83 and broke the backbone of the RR batting line-up, it seemed like the visitors were headed towards a massive defeat. But that game was turned around spectacularly by some stunning strokeplay by the Australian pair of Steve Smith and James Faulkner. At one point time, RR had an improbable task in front of them, needing 65 runs from the final four overs. But that task turned out to be a cakewalk for Smith and Faulkner, who scored the required runs in 2.5 overs.

Opening pair of Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum doing the bulk of the damage. Between them, CSK’s overseas opening pair has scored more than half the runs tallied by their team. Earlier, one would attribute CSK’s success to the performance of their spinners. Not this time though, as Mohit Sharma has impressed with the new ball and has given his team early breakthroughs consistently.

All eyes will be on Steve Smith after his pyrotechnics against RCB the other night. For someone as skilled as him, he perhaps bats too low in the batting order, and a climb up might be necessary now. The two senior pros in the team – skipper Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane – have had a few quiet outings now, and they will be expected to get back among the runs with the tournament entering a very crucial phase.

What our expert think about the game? Read on...

PunterPolls Prediction

Today two of our favourite teams are going to play against each other. CSK have won 7 matches out of 9 they played so far, whereas Royals are just inch behind them with 6 win out of 9.

As the tournament is progressing, some teams are getting better and some have lost their way and now almost on the verge of being out of the tournament. But there is only team who has been playing best cricket from the very first season and the team who enjoys playing cricket, believes in keeping things simple. Yes we are talking about CSK. They have only lost two games and that too against the Punjab and reason behind is their bowlers are not performing up to the mark.

As far as Rajasthan Royals is concerned, they have never had star players in their team yet they have always surprised everyone by putting up good show on the ground and that too beyond the expectations. In the last game we have seen another gutsy performance by Rajasthan batsmen who stole the show in the final 4 overs of the game. Since the tournament has started, their bowlers are doing descent job but on occasion or two they proven to be costly. Which shows they need to do little homework in this department.

If you look at last encounter between the two you will find CSK bowlers proven to be more effective as compare to Royals. CSK batted first and put 140 on board and that too because of some poor bowling by Royals in the last 4 overs. While chasing, Royals lost their way from the very beginning by loosing too many wickets. But now things have changed, Royals batsmen are doing good and they have also seen that CSK is struggling at the bowling front as well.

Ranchi pitch is suitable for batting, ground is small and outfield is fast. So, this could be another high scoring game and team winning the toss should elected to field first. As far as winning team is concern, we are supporting Rajasthan Royals. 

But you should be on-line and keep an eye on our comments section of this page or Punters Wall

Updates

1. Royals restricted 25 runs short, according to us. 149 is the target for CSK. Match ODDs 1.41 CSK. We are positive about Royals comeback into the game.
2. CSK 20 in 1.6 overs. Match ODDs 1.20 CSK. Lay CSK one more time to average down.
3. CSK 59/2 After 7.3 Overs. Match ODDs 1.31 CSK. This CSK team knows how to play T20. They used to keep wickets in hand till the end. We need one more wicket before 11th over.
4. CSK 76/3 after 10 Overs, Match ODDS: 1.42 CSK. Time to cover bit of loss if you have big book.
5. CSK need 37 of 24 balls. Match ODDs 1.39 CSK. Match ODDs are still to high. So keep your hopes high, Royals still have chance if match pushed to last over. And If Dhoni won’t be in. 
6. Du Plesis gone. CSK 121/5 after 17.3. 28 Needed of 15 Balls. Match ODDs 1.96 CSK. Yohooo. Gamble played.
7. CSK 124/5 After 18 Overs. Match ODDS 1.91 Royals. Yeah. Come on Royals.