The heart-broken Oman fans would be hating this game of cricket after what they would have believed to be a series of tactical errors that cost Oman an all-important berth in the finals. From not picking a front-line spinner on a turning track, to not sending a specialist technically correct batter at a time when wickets were crucial and instead going for the option of aggression. Obviously, at the end of the day, cricket is just a game, yet national representatives have to get used to receiving the appreciations when they are doing well and hearing the complaints when they go wrong.
Coming to IPL, in both these matches, the teams are clashing for the first time in this season and on a day of double-header, all these attacking sides on batting-friendly tracks should be able to provide a perfect entertainment.
Chennai, which were leading the table before their previous game, have slipped down to the fourth position, such is the intensity of this year’s IPL. Four teams are on 10 points, two teams are on 8 points and another 2 teams are on 6 points.
CSK VS PBKS AT CHENNAI
TEAM INFO – Chennai has had a brilliant season so; they have only lost 3 games out of 8. They are going to be playing Punjab only once this season and they would be aware of how dangerous are Punjab. Punjab are on the sixth position with 8 points and majority of their matches have been high scoring. Last game, Lucknow stunned Punjab by posting a total of 257 against them. When both teams are coming with a losing momentum, expect firecrackers.
Head-to-Head - Played - 27; Won by CSK – 15; Won by PBKS – 12
CSK possible 12 – R Gaikwad, D Conway, A Rahane, S Dube, A Rayudu, M Ali, R Jadeja, MS Dhoni, M Pathirana, T Deshpande, M Theekshana, A Singh
PBKS possible 12 – S Dhawan, Atharva Taide, S Raza, L Livingstone, S Curran, J Sharma, S Khan, K Rabada, R Chahar, G Brar, A Singh, P Singh.
Pitch & Weather Report – The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium is spin-friendly. The spinners will play a key role while bowling here as the ball tends to grip off the surface. Run-scoring isn’t easy and the batters will have to be on their toes while batting here. Clear skies will greet both sides on Friday, with the temperature in Chennai expected to hover between 28 to 36 degrees Celsius.
Match Prediction – Chennai are on a roll this year and their balanced and in-form line up has been consistently performing well. Dhoni’s captaincy and man management is a point that doesn’t need any further mention. Punjab are a dangerously unpredictable side, but don’t really think that they have what it takes to beat CSK at their fortress.
MI VS RR AT MUMBAI
TEAM INFO – This is the only time these two are going to be clashing against each other in the league stage. Rajasthan have been the team of the year and they are topping the points table currently. While MI have only won 3 out of 7 and are on the eighth position. MI are coming from a losing streak, after being beaten by Punjab and Gujarat and would love to get to winning ways. RR had lost their way momentarily, by losing two back-to-back games, but they found their winning way back at home, against Chennai.
Head-to-Head - Played - 27; Won by MI – 14; Won by RR – 12; No Result - 1
MI possible 12 – R Sharma, I Kishan, C Green, S Yadav, T David, Wadhera, K Karthikeya, A Tendulkar, R Meridith, P Chawla, J Behrendorff
RR possible 12 – y Jaiswal, J Buttler, D Padikkal, S Samson, S Hetmyer, DJurel, R Ashwin, J holder, A Zampa, S Sharma, Y Chahal, K Yadav
Pitch & Weather Report – The pitch at Wankhede Stadium is a wonderful track to bat on. The batters can hit through the line right from the start of their innings. Short boundaries on either side help the batters and fans can expect a high-scoring affair on Saturday. The temperature in Mumbai is expected to hover between 27 to 32 degrees Celsius. It will stay humid throughout the day.
Match Prediction – Expect a run-fest at Mumbai. The small ground of Wankhede with a good batting track will mean that the bowlers are going to be paying a hefty price for their smallest mistakes. Mumbai don't have the biggest names of Indian cricket's batting, but they aren’t in the kind of form that is required to go the distance. Bowling is another big concern which puts a lot of pressure on Mumbai. Considering Rajasthan’s firepower and form, it should be difficult for Mumbai and this should be an easy one for Rajasthan Royals.
FAN COMMENTS
“Obviously, it’s disappointing to see the team that you have served for almost a decade, on the losing side. Although, I would like to call them unfortunate and unlucky to have fallen short due to unforeseen circumstances. This could have happened with anyone and I just hope that the team recovers from this loss quickly and focuses on further projects. Coming to IPL, CSK & RR are a team to beat this year.” – Ajay Lalcheta, 39, ex-captain of Oman, Manager Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Dept, Al Tasnim Exterprises, Indian.
“I really hope that the Oman Cricket management looks at picking and training the local Omani youngsters at the international level. I hope that they realise that this is not fair with the locals, if they are ignored. My cousin's team just finished as second in top division competition and they have many young talented kids. We also want to see Omani boys in IPL like the Afghanis.” – Faisal al Balushi, 49, Lawyer, Omani.
“Omani cricket is just like old Kenya cricket. Little success, then no back up, so it will come down. I love IPL and Rajasthan Royals. Starting they supported the youngsters and now every gully in Rajasthan have too much talent. This year they will win trophy easily, everyone in form.” – Shakil Ahmed, 49, Machine Operator, Electrician/Mutrah Insofoam, Indian.
“My husband is a big fan of cricket and since Oman’s loss yesterday, he has been in a terrible mood. But today it’s Chennai’s game and watching Dhoni play will just get him in the perfect mood. The only issue is with amount of consumption of fritters from health perspective. I am not sure whether I love or hate cricket, but it’s a fantastic game for sure.” – Kajal Umesh Shah, 52, Housewife, Indian.
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