India might have been a little overconfident, and well they have paid the price by an ODI loss. Not many cricket experts would have predicted that, but well strange things do happen in cricket. The Indians would be all fired up, and expect no less than a fighting comeback from them in this, 2nd ODI. It’s going to be another fierce battle between the Indian batsmen and the Ausssie bowlers, the one who comes on top might lead their team to victory.

Indian batting looked out of sorts and was unable to make up for their sad bowling performance. Ishant and Vinay need to improve and focus on bowling in the right areas, else India will again have to bat really well to win this match. On the other hand, the Australian batting came good and they posted a huge total on board. George Bailey marshaled his troops really well and the result proved that too.

Team News

The pitch and conditions in Jaipur will suit the Indians better than the ones at Pune. The slowness of the wicket will assist spinners like Ashwin, Jadeja and Yuvraj which could turn the tide in India’s favor. Whatever the playing 11 may be, their bowling must tighten up and prove why are they the bowling line up for the #1 team in ICC ODI rankings. With Mishra and Zaheer waiting In the wings, each bowler must stand up and perform else they would be replaced as the Indians are trying different combinations to find the best suitable match.

The Australians seem to be a batsman short, particularly if Finch, Hughes and Bailey fail. Maxwell and Haddin do make up for the 6th batsman, but with an out of form Watson, Australia just need the extra cushion. Their bowling is the primary asset, and if it performs as a unit like it did in the last game, another victory can be assured. The Indian batsmen will not repeat the same mistakes, but who knows what might happen in cricket.


Probable Teams

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Dhoni (c)(wk), Ravi Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vinay Kumar , Ishant Sharma/Jaydev Unadkat

X-Factor: Ravi Ashwin has had a very stable career till date, and it is mainly because of his ties with CSK and his connection with the captain. He has performed decently in the past too, but is being taken to the cleaners lately. With India’s bowling strength being mainly spin, Ashwin must step up and raise his game else Amit Mishra would be called on to replace Ashwin. With figures of 1-17-0, and 2-41-0 in the CLt20 semis and the T20 game against Australia, one might question his ability. He did pick up 2 wickets in the last game, but both came in the later part of the innings and not when his captain needed the breakthroughs.

Australia: Aaron Finch, Philip Hughes, Shane Watson, Adam Voges, George Bailey(c), Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin (wk), James Faulkner, Clint Mckay, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty

X-Factor: Mitchell Johnson was awesome in the last game, and the way he troubled the Indians with his pace was fascinating to watch. He mixed it up by bowling Yorkers, bouncer, slower balls and the quicker ones too (which clocked more than 150.0 km/hr). He is the main asset Australia have in the bowling department, and he is the one who will be brought on everytime India’s ace batsman Yuvraj walks in to bat. The short ball he bowled to get Yuvraj was an unplayable delivery, and if he can get Yuvi again he will do Australia a more than useful favor.



Expected Result: India Win

Not many would be interested in this game as Sachin’s retirement is still fresh in 2 billion minds, but well this is an important game. The Indian team are clearly favorites to win and the crowd would be backing them to do so too. Finch and Watson would be key at the top of the order, but if the Indians can break through them successfully then the Aussies would possibly be in trouble. 

It’s going to be a battle of which team has the better combination, Australia who could possibly play the extra batsman, or India who will be playing 2 solid all-rounders in Jadeja and Yuvraj. The Indians seem to have the upper hand here too, but one good innings from any of the Aussie batsmen could turn things around. The spinners will also come into play, for Australia possibly Doherty and Voges whereas for India Yuvraj, Jadeja and Ashwin.

Team News
The only doubt that the Indian team management would have is over the form of Ashwin, and whether he needs to be benched for a few games and give Mishra a shot, however that is unlikely to happen. India might as well retain the same team and why not, they played brilliantly. Ishant has to tighten up a bit and be more consistent, and Rohit Sharma has to put his hand up and say now it is time for me to deliver on my promise. Promising players like Unadkat and Ahmed might just have to wait for the right chance, but they will definitely be given a look in later on in the tournament, if not in this game.

Australia would probably drop 2 of their all-rounders that played in the T20 along with Maddinson who is not in the squad, and play 3 regular batsmen in place of them. That definitely makes the batting stronger but at the same time also makes the bowling that much weaker. Watson and Voges would have to complete the 5th bowler’s quota and they would dearly hope that they do not run into an in-form Yuvi, Virat, Dhawan or any of the other Indian batsmen who can tear them apart.

Probable Teams

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Dhoni (c)(wk), Ravi Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vinay Kumar , Ishant Sharma/Jaydev Unadkat

X-Factor: Yuvraj Singh had expressed his emotional side in at the end of the last game where he said more than he is happy with his performance he is disappointed that his hero, Sachin Tendulkar had announced his retirement. If there is one man who is in the running for the no.4 slot in test matches, it is Yuvraj. A good couple of performances in this series and he could be the man India would look forward to and he never fails to deliver. With Ashwin not being very productive with the ball, Dhoni might turn to Yuvi to chip in with a few overs and he is no mug with the ball, and Kevin Pietersen knows that better than anyone :)

Australia: Aaron Finch, Philip Hughes, Shane Watson, Adam Voges, George Bailey(c), Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin (wk), James Faulkner, Clint Mckay, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty

X-Factor: Australia could do much better with an in-form Adam Voges as he is one who has been a regular in the limited version of the game, and this series would be a test to judge his place in the side. Voges would also have to step in and bowl a few overs as Australia cannot afford to drop Hughes or Ferguson as that would make their batting line up really thin and if you do not post a big total against the Indians, you might as well pack your bags after the 1st innings itself.

Expected Result: India Win

The 1st game of the season, and Team India is all fired up. Some of the players from the team are in good form as the likes of Dhoni, Raina, Rohit and a few others have played in the recently concluded Champions League whereas the others like Yuvraj, B Kumar, and others have played for India A against the West Indies. The fans seem to be rejuvenated too, and they will be backing their team from the word go. 

Some of the Australians too had participated in the Champions League and have gained some good experience of playing in the humid Indian conditions. It will not be easy for them, but as they are starting the series with a t20 in which they have the best chance to win might boost their confidence.

Team News
The Indian team has the perfect balance a good team should have; solid and aggressive openers, the best limited overs middle order in the world and some accurate bowlers too. Beating them would take much more than just luck and a good performance by the opposition. Dhawan, Raina, Rohit and Yuvraj seem to be in really good form and if all 4 of these click then the team could score more than 200 on any sort of track on any given day.

The Australian team seems to be a batsman short, but the likes of Maxwell and Henriques are proven t20 cricketers and if they can fire, they team has a more than decent chance of doing well in this game. On the other hand, their bowling looks more than decent but they dearly lack a quality spinner. Not brining Fawad Ahmed to India might be a bad move but who knows whether Bailey even wants to play a spinner considering they have so many quality pacers in their team.

Probable Teams
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Dhoni (c)(wk), Ravi Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat/Shami Ahmed

X-Factor: The man who was responsible for the glory of April 2nd, Yuvraj Singh is back and this time there is no looking back for him. He looks leaner, slimmer and much fitter than he was 5 months ago, and the selectors have no reason to ignore him now. Dhoni has himself said that Yuvraj is a big match player, and well he has proved that over the years. Now that India have started building their squad for the 2015 World Cup, Yuvraj is man who will bat at no.4 or no.5 and will hold the innings together.

Australia: Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Shane Watson, George Bailey (c), Adam Voges, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, Mitchell Johnson

X-Factor: Aaron Finch would be shouldering the responsibility of opening the batting in both the T20’s and the ODI’s. Since Clarke is not here and Australia do not have a strong batting line up, Finch would be feeling the pressure of staying at the crease for a long time and scoring big runs too.  

Expected Result: India Win

After all the frantic t20 cricket, we are back to white shirt red cherry, the pinnacle of cricket, Test Cricket. This 2 match test series is very important for both sides, Bangladesh because they do not want to lose on home soil and New Zealand because they want to prove that they can win against Bangladesh in Bangladesh after they had previously lost to them in the ODI’s. 

It would need a really quick transition from playing for Otago to playing for the national side for Mccullum, Wagner and Rutherford, but well they are professionals. This would be a very challenging tour for New Zealand as they will have to bear with the tough conditions and make sure they prove why are they still a dangerous unit. Shakib al Hasan, one of the finest all rounders in the game is back for Bangladesh and that would give the team a huge boost, which could also be seen as the match begins.

Team News
Bangladesh, the home team have a good team as they bat deep till no.8 and they also have 5 good bowlers, with Shakib and Gazi being their ace spinners. Much will depend on 4 of their best batsmen, Tamim, Shakib, Nasir and Rahim and if one of those guys can stick in and play a big innings they have a very good chance of winning. Mahmudullah is the floater in the team, can bat a bit and can bowl a bit but is always uncertain of his place in the team even though he has dishes out quite a lot of match winning performances recently.

New Zeland have a good mix of youth and experience I ntheir line up, but this series would be the perfect test for their temperament. Apart from Williamson and Brownlie most of the batsmen lack that skill and this series may prove to be a big test for the batsmen. The bowlers must also step up their game and make sure they get wickets at regular intervals, else the home team may prove too strong for New Zealand.

Probable Teams
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Marshall Ayub, Mushfiqur Rahim(c)(wk), Mahmudullah, Sohag Gazi, Rubel Hossain, Robiul Islam

X-Factor: For a 21 year old, Nasir Hossain has an awesome average in all 3 formats of the game  and apart from Shakib he is one of the best players Bangladesh have produced in a long time. His wicket is worth gold and he never lets the team down. Nasir is consistent with his batting particularly in the test format and if he can stick in a big hundred is his for the taking. New Zealand will have huge problems is this man is in good form, and if he is then Bangladesh have a very good chance of pulling the rabbit out of the hat and winning this test.

New Zealand: Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Dean Brownlie, Brendon Mccullum (c), BJ Watling (wk), Trent Boult, Bruce Martin, Neil Wagner, Doug Bracewell

X-Factor: Kane Williamson, the assumed to be next big thing for New Zealand cricket would be in the center of all action particularly because he is one of those guys who can bat for long hours and can also turn his arm over if needed. Williamson would have the task of holding the innings together as he bats at no.3 and also he is the man with the best temperament in the team. New Zealand would be hoping he can step up his game and if that happens New Zealand has a good chance in this test. 

Expected Result: Bangladesh Win

More than 2 billion people would be in a dilemma today, on whom to support. For about a decade and half they have seen these 2 legends play for team India, but well this time they are facing off in the finals of Clt20 and only 1 of them can take their team to victory. It’s God vs The Wall, or Sachin vs Dravid, or we can call it Mumbai vs Rajasthan. 

Whichever team wins, this match is going to be an absolute nail biter. These 2 teams have been 2 of the best teams of the tournament and they have earned their place here in the finals. The match being in Delhi, which is a neutral venue is a good call as none of the teams would be having the home advantage. That being said, Rajasthan are very unfortunate to lose their finisher, Hodge to injury and that may be a huge blow for them. The youngsters must step up for RR, whereas the Mumbai batting line up looks in very good form.

Team News
The Mumbai team management made a good call by dropping Maxwell for Johnson in the last game, and they hope Johnson can deliver if he is picked to play in the finals too. Apart from Johnson, rest of the bowling attach looks solid with the Dhawan’s and the Ojha’s and the Bhajji’s performing decently. He batting on the other hand is their strong point. Now that Sachin is back in form, The Rajasthan bowlers would need to pull out something special to make sure they can run this Mumbai side over.

Rajasthan seem to be hit badly by the injury to Hodge, but well 1 player cannot be the reason for a loss or a victory. Their bowling looks pretty decent with Tambe, Cooper and Watson being in good form, but it is their batting where they need to pull up their socks. Dravid is not in form, Rahane acts as an anchor but plays a little too slow, Binny and Yagnik are inconsistent, which leaves too much work on the shoulders of Watson and Samson. They need to play together as a unit, and if they can there is no stopping them.

Probable Teams
Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar, Dwayne Smith, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson, Rishi Dhawan, Pragyan Ojha  

X-Factor: For some reason Rohit is bowling Harbhajan mostly in the powerplays which is not what Harbhajan would prefer to do but isn’t resisting to it either. All he wants to do is bowl well and pick wickets regularly, as this is exactly where he can stamp his authority on the selectors and push them to select him in the national team. If he can pick up a couple of wickets early on in this very important game, he would be doing his team a huge favor. A good performance is expected from him, and it is to be seen if he can deliver the goods.

Rajasthan Royals: Rahul Dravid (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Shane Watson, Dishant Yagnik (wk), Stuart Binny, Ashok Menaria, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper, Pravin Tambe, Rahul Shukla/Shaun Tait

X-Factor: In the absence of Brad Hodge, it would be Stuart Binny who has to take up the role of the finisher in the Rajasthan line up. He is an outstanding all-rounder but has been underperforming in the last few games. If there is anyone who can motivate him to perform upto his ability, it is going to be Dravid, and Dravid must make sure Binny is at the top of his game. The son of Roger Binny, Stuart definitely has the potential to win this game for the Royals, and if he does so it would be the perfect farewell he could give to the one and only legend – The Wall, Dravid.

Expected Result:  Close game, Mumbai Win

13 West Indians on the cricket field, it is going to be a calypso party down there. Oh yea, the 11 from Trinidad and Mumbai’s Smith and Pollard. Both are very exciting teams, and both had to win with a pretty big margin in their last match to make sure they make the semi-finals, and well they did. Both are contrasting teams, with Trinidad having a very strong bowling line up whereas Mumbai have a really strong batting unit.

All eyes will be on Sachin Tendulkar, especially since he has failed in the last few matches. No one wants Mumbai to lose, because if they do that would mean the end of Sachin in the colored jersey. The quote “#ThisTimeFor10Dulkar” has been Mumbai’s promotional quote throughout the tournament. Talking about Trinidad, they have been in good form lately and the leader of their bowling attack Narine has been a treat to watch. Rampaul, Emrit and Badree have supported him really well too which all together makes a potent bowling attack.

Team News
The Mumbai team management would have only one headache on mind while selecting their playing 11, whether to play Johnson or Maxwell as the 4th international player. Johnson has a better chance of playing because he is one of the best bowlers in this version; however his form is a big worry. Whoever plays, all eyes will be on the man who has carried the nation’s hopes for the last 2 decades and everyone hopes he can deliver. Pollard and Rayudu would be expected to provide the kick needed at the end of the innings, and one of them must step up and make sure Mumbai can pull it over the line.

Trinidad and Tobago never get their desired team because some or the other players choose to play for their IPL teams, Like Bravo and Pollard did. However, they still have managed to pull this together and have made it to this stage. They start as underdogs in this match but do have the potential to win this one, all they need is their batting to click.
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Probable Teams
Mumbai Indians: Dwayne Smith, Sachin Tendulkar, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Rohit Sharma(c), Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Glenn Maxwell/Mitchell Johnson, Harbhajan Singh, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pragyan Ojha, Rishi Dhawan

X-Factor: Sachin Tendulkar, the man who can make 2 billion people stop work and switch on their television set has not had the best of tournaments this time around. He has already announced that this is his last tournament for Mumbai Indians, and he would want to end on a high. For that to happen, he needs to perform and give the team a good start. If he does so, his team would be on their way to achieve “#ThisTimeFor10Dulkar”, the slogan of the Mumbai fans. If he performs, the fact that productivity will decrease is a different story, but it would be a treat to watch the master scoring runs again.

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

X-Factor: Darren Bravo, the assumed to be next Brian Lara would be in the lime light in this must win game. It is known that Trinidad have a strong bowling unit, but it’s their batting that must stand up and perform. Bravo holds the key and must stabilize the innings from one end, which would give the team a free license to go for the bowling from the other end. His team’s fate is likely to depend on his performance, and it will be seen whether he can handle the pressure at the biggest of stages.

Expected Result:  Mumbai Indians wins

Match Preview: Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals @ Jaipur

Everyone expected CSK and RR to be 2 of the strongest teams in this competition, but who knew that they would have to face off in the semi-finals. RR have one of the best records at home with them being unbeaten in 12 consecutive games that they have played in Jaipur, but if there is some team that can break the record it has to be the Super Kings.

Both teams have a similar team structure, with there being some strong batsmen, a couple of good spinners, 2 good pacers and a quality all-rounder in each team too. Now it all comes down to which guy will put his hand up and perform on the day. It’s going to be a nail biter if it comes down to the star player from each team, Watson and Dhoni. Both captains are crowd favorites and at the same time calm customers, but at the end only 1 would have a smile on their face.

Team News
CSK have a strong team filled with international stars, but cricket is not just a numbers game. They have a solid opening pair, but they have not played as a solid pair throughout the tournament. When Hussey fails, Vijay performs and vice-versa. Other than that, if Jadeja and Mohit contribute a little more with the ball, Dhoni could have a big smile on his face at the end of the match.

Rahul Dravid has done an exceptional job in putting together a team from nowhere. A young wicketkeeper in Samson playing with a 41 year old Tambe, and both players being the top performers in their departments, this could only happen in Rajasthan Royals. If RR were to lose today, this would be the last time we get to see Dravid in the colored jersey. That being said, their record at home has been really good and 1 or 2 of their batsmen stand up in every game, like earlier it was Samson and Rahane and in the last game we got to see a gem of an innings from the old fox, Hodge.

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: Mahendra Dhoni, assumed to be the best captain ever, is going to take field in this very important game and the way he performs today will be very important. If he can bring his midas touch into the game and blast the RR bowlers, there will be no stopping CSK from storming into the finals. A lot will be expected from him, not only in the batting department but even in the bowling department. He has a task in hand, mainly because 2 of his main bowlers Jadeja and Mohit Sharma are not in form.

Rajasthan Royals: Rahul Dravid(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson(wk), Shane Watson, Stuart Binny, Brad Hodge, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper, Ashok Menaria, Rahul Shukla, Pravin Tambe

X-Factor: Shane Watson had not had the best of tournaments, neither with the bat nor the ball and that is a slight headache for Dravid. However, we all know what he is capable of and if this is his day he can win the match for RR single handedly. He bats at no.4 and also bowls 1st change, both of which are pretty important roles. He would be hoping that the top 3 do not give him a lot of time In the middle, which would mean that RR have already posted a huge total. He would be the hottest pick in user’s fantasy team, and he must perform to prove them right.

Expected Result:  Rajasthan Royals win

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

Each and every cricket fan would have his eyes on the television set for this huge match, it could either be Sachin Tendulkar’s last match in the colored jersey or it could be the match where the Mumbai Indians crush the Scorchers and make it to the semi-finals. Cricket fans from all over the world would want MI to win, who wants to see Sachin not play anymore?

Talking about cricket, it is expected to be a 1 sided game with Mumbai being too strong for the Scorchers to pull up a surprise, but you never know what can happen in cricket. The Scorchers have been further weakened due to the injury to Voges, who flew back home. The only backbone in the team has left, and now the Scorchers look even weaker. On the other hand, this is the perfect opportunity for the Mumbai bowlers to rattle their opposition and make sure the team wins by a huge NRR.

Team News
The Indians have a pretty strong lineup, but for some reason they could not get their act together and find themselves in this situation. A big win is all they require and if they can get that, a place in the semi-finals is theirs for the taking. Sachin Tendulkar is not in the best of forms, but no one can doubt his ability. All he needs is some time in the middle to gain back some form and then he can anchor the innings along. Pollard and Rohit have had decent outings with the bat, and they are Mumbai’s main assets. Ojha and Harbhajan also have a huge role to play, hopefully they can deliver.

The Scorchers have struggled to put a team together, especially after the injuries to the Marshes, Thomas and Voges (now). Their main players are injured, and they themselves know they are coming up with a depleted team. Funny things do happen in cricket, and that is all they can hope for. This match would be the last day of their misery, after which they can return back to Australia and review their performance.

Probable Teams
Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar, Dwayne Smith, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson, Rishi Dhawan, Pragyan Ojha  

X-Factor: Mitchell Johnson is one of the most fierce opening bowlers, and especially with his pace and swing he can be an invaluable asset in the shortest version of the game. This is his best chance to get back in form and pick a few wickets. He has looked rusty throughout this series with the ball, but if he can swing it and pitch it in the right areas it is going to be fun to watch. He must pick wickets early on in the innings, to make sure Mumbai can win with a big margin.

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Marcus North, Simon Katich (c), Tom Triffitt (wk), Hilton Catwright, Sam Whiteman, Ashton Turner, Joel Paris, Joe Mennie, Jason Behrendorff, Michael Beer

X-Factor: Not much is expected out of the Scorchers but it is a known fact that Simon Katich is a class act. He is the only batsman who has played for Australia over a long period, and he must step in and perform. He was unlucky in 1 of his outings, and got a peach of a delivery in the 2nd game, but he does have the potential to hold the innings together. Katich is the only player who can negate the likes of Johnson, Harbhajan and Ojha and if he does so the Scorchers might have a slim chance.

Expected Result:  Mumbai win convincingly

The stakes could not get any bigger than this, Otago are on a 15 match winning streak and the Royals are unbeaten at home this entire year (including IPL). Well, one of the winning streaks is going to end at the end of 40 overs, as only 1 team can emerge victorious. This is probably the clash of the Giants, the strongest team from New Zealand up against a team which plays like champions at home.

Both teams have some class players, awesome batsmen, wicket taking bowlers and some of the best all-rounders in the shorter version of the game. It’s the clash of the captains, one who is arguably the best technically skilled player in the world and the other who is like a bomb in the t20 version, who can explode and wreck havoc. The one department where Otago would struggle to match up with the Royals is the spin department. Nathan and Beard against Tambe is really just a 1 sided game all together.

Team News
Rajasthan Royals have a strong and balanced team in all 3 departments. To add to that, they also have a very good opening combination in Rahane and Dravid, but Dravid has not been among the runs lately. Dravid needs to be a little solid, and stay on the wicket for a bit longer. However, where Dravid has not been consistent, Samson has been on the top of his game. In Samson, Watson, Binny and Hodge, the Royals have a solid middle order and to break that open, it would take a hell lot.

Unbeaten in the last 14 games, Otago have a pretty solid team. If it’s not Mccullum’s day, the other guys step up. The team is so good because everyday one or the other guys steps up like Neesham did in the last game. If one of the top 6 could step up tomorrow, it is their game to win. Nathan Mccullum and Nick Beard have a big role to play, and much will depend on their performance.

Probable Teams
Rajasthan Royals: Rahul Dravid (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson (wk), Shane Watson, Stuart Binny, Brad Hodge, Ashok Menaria, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper, Vikramjeet Malik, Pravin Tambe

X-Factor: If you ever want to see a 41 year old making the youngsters dance, turn on your TV to watch Otago vs Royals. Pravin Tambe is one excellent leg spinner, and with his experience he is the biggest asset that the Royals have. He can turn the ball and pick wickets regularly, which is always a plus for the team. A good spinner is exactly what Otago are missing, and the Royals have a class act in Tambe. If he can get a couple of wickets, he has done an excellent job for his captain, and put his team in a really good position.

Otago: Neil Broom, Hamish Rutherford, Brendon Mccullum (c), Derek de Boorder (wk), Ryan Ten Doeschate, James Neesham, Nathan Mccullum, Ian Butler, Neil Wagner, Nick Beard, James Mcmillan

X-Factor: Brendon Mccullum has had a wayward tournament. He has performed well in 2 matches, but has failed miserably in the other 3. He needs to be more consistent, and if he can do that for the team, Otago would benefit very much. He is definitely the best batsman in the team and being the most experienced player in the team, Mccullum is the guy who can play spin very well. He can turn the game on its head and that is what Otago are expecting from him in very important game against Rajasthan.

Expected Result:  Royals win