IPL 7 Preview: KXIP vs CSK Qualifier 2 Match
Chennai Super Kings completed a comprehensive win over Mumbai Indians on Wednesday in the Eliminator Match of IPL 2014 to progress to the Qualifier 2.
In the eliminator of IPL 7, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Brabourne Stadium. The win propelled CSK into the qualifier 2 where they would face Kings XI Punjab on Friday at Wankhede Stadium.
Kings XI Punjab, who have reigned supreme for most part of the season, suffered a jolt when they were defeated by second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in the first of the Playoff matches. By virtue of finishing among the top two teams, KXIP have another chance of making it to the Finals; they need to overcome two-time IPL Champions Chennai Super Kings, who rolled over the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab have contrasting IPL histories. While Super Kings have made it past the group stage in all seven seasons – and five finals – Kings XI are yet to make a final. Their best showing was reaching the semis in 2008. The difference is stark though Kings XI, with their revamped squad, look formidable.
Kings XI was the one team Super Kings failed to outclass in both attempts in the league stages. They have one more chance to rectify that – in the second playoff. Super Kings’ weak link – the bowling – was highlighted in both games as Kings XI posted 200-plus scores. The teams had contrasting fortunes on Wednesday, with Super Kings riding on momentum after brushing aside Mumbai Indians comfortably.
Super Kings could have been chasing in excess of 190, had it not been for the control shown by their bowlers, stifling the batsmen with variations in pace, and careless batting by Mumbai towards the end of their innings. MS Dhoni blamed poor catching as one of the reasons for their sudden three-match blip ahead of the playoffs. They had managed to set that right in their last two games and approach their second knockout game feeling more positive. Batting was never going to be Super Kings’ worry. If their bowling can hold it together, Super Kings are likely to be in their sixth final in seven seasons.
Having exhausted a lifeline, Kings XI have their second shot at the final. A listless performance with the bat against Kolkata Knight Riders might have indicated they were running out of steam, but if they weren’t compelled to keep an eye on Duckworth-Lewis, the script could have been different. The batsmen were flustered by the threat of a washout and the need to keep up with the par score and yet preserve wickets, but with every passing over, Knight Riders’ superior bowling pinned them down. Consistency has been the hallmark of Kings XI’s campaign and they have not lost two games in a row. Having come this far, they cannot afford another bad day for it will thwart their first final appearance.
The winner of this match will progress to the title clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (scheduled for June 1 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru). For the losers, it will be the end of the road where Pepsi IPL 2014 is concerned.
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