The second match of the day, and a mouthwatering contest. The semi-finals schedule would not be ready until this match is over, as Trinidad & Tobago have a genuine chance to qualify for the playoffs. A win or a loss by the narrowest of margins is what they need, and if they can get any of the 2 then a place in the playoffs is assured.

These 2 teams are completely contrasting, with CSK having the strongest batting line up in the competition, and Trinidad having the strongest bowling line up. It’s going to be a great battle between bat and ball, and it is to be seen who emerges victorious. Both captains are wicket keepers, and this match would certainly test their skills and teach them how to deal with pressure situations.

Team News
Chennai arguably have the best batting line up in the entire tournament, and they have some explosive players in Raina and Dhoni. Their batting is so good that many times it covers up for their weak bowling, and that makes them such a strong unit. Well, against a good bowling lineup their batting strength would certainly be tested. It is to be seen whether they can stand up and accept the challenge or fall like a pack of cards.

Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul and Samuel Badree, 3 of the best bowlers in the shortest version of the game playing together is a huge plus for any team. Narine particularly, is a threat for all batsmen. Given that CSK’s 2 main batsmen Hussey and Raina are left handed, Narine would have an even bigger role to play and knock those 2 guys over. Rampaul would face the challenge of bowling against Dhoni, but he is definitely capable of knocking over the Indian captain. Darren Bravo has been a consistent performer, and another good innings is needed rom him to make sure his team goes through.

Probable Teams
Chennai Super Kings: Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, Subramaniam Badrinath, Mahendra Dhoni (c) (wk), Ravi Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel, Ravi Ashwin, Mohit Sharma, Jason Holder

X-Factor: Mohit Sharma hasn’t been In the best of forms in this clt20, but he is a good upcoming youngster. He has the knack of taking wickets early on in the innings, and he must do that on a consistent basis. Dhoni wouldn’t be the happiest person after Mohit hasn’t been doing what he used to in the IPL. If he can knock over a few dangerous batsmen at the start of the innings, it would be exactly what the doctor ordered and would put CSK in a good position to win.

Trinidad and Tobago: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Darren Bravo, Dinesh Ramdin (c)(wk), Jason Mohammed, Navin Stewart, Nicholas Pooran, Rayad Emrit, Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul, Samuel Badree

X-Factor: Lendl Simmons is due for a score big time. He is a regular in the national team, and has shown glimpses of what he is capable of but has not been able to perform upto potential. His failures create extra pressure on Bravo’s shoulders, and this is a match where Simmons has to perform. If he can provide a good start, T&T will be well on their way towards victory, which is exactly what they need.

Expected Result:  T&T win a close contest




Leave a Reply.