Can stunned Chennai Super Kings bounce back?

Published on: Oct 16, 2012

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

Chennai did not have an ideal start to the CLT20, unexpectedly going down to Sydney Sixers. Having said that, they are known to be slow starters, and hence would hope that they can bounce back, just like they have done so often in the past. Lions, on the other hand, might have even surprised themselves with the amazing performance they put up against Mumbai Indians.

Chennai did not have an ideal start to the CLT20, unexpectedly going down to Sydney Sixers. Having said that, they are known to be slow starters, and hence would hope that they can bounce back, just like they have done so often in the past. Lions, on the other hand, might have even surprised themselves with the amazing performance they put up against Mumbai Indians. In spite of lacking big names, they pulled together a show that left the defending champions embarrassed. Lions would be keen to overcome another big fish on Tuesday, even as M S Dhoni’s men will seek their winning formula.

Champions League Twenty20 2012, Group B: Chennai Super Kings Vs Lions 7th match at Cape Town, Oct 16, 2012.

Venue: Played at Newlands, Cape Town

Match begin at 17:30 local time (15:30 GMT | 9:00 PM IST | 8:30 PM PKT)

Team Chennai analysis

For Chennai to come up with a convincing performance against Lions, they need to get two things right straightaway – their death over bowling and late order batting. Against the Sixers, Chennai bowlers lost the plot completely as Moises Henriques went after them. The total Sixers posted on board was a mammoth one. While chasing as well, Chennai were in with a chance. But, they just did not have enough firepower to go all the way. Despite having big names, Chennai failed to do the basics right, which is what cost them the game at the end of the day.

All-rounder Albie Morkel, who was left out of the previous game might get a chance. Being familiar with South African conditions, Morkel might prove to be an asset for Chennai. The Aussie pair of Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger came in for a lot of punishment against the Sixers, so it remains to be seen whether they retain their place or not.

Team Lions analysis

Lions’ performance against Mumbai was stupendous to say the least. With the ball in hand, they were incisive, so much so that even the great Sachin Tendulkar struggled. Despite the Mumbai batsmen getting starts, the Lions never allowed them to run away to a sizeable total, picking up wickets at crucial points in the innings. Sohail Tanvir, Dirk Nannes and Aaron Phangiso were economical as well as among the wickets. As a result, Mumbai were reduced to a total that was at best challenging.

When it was their turn to bat, two men performed so brilliantly that any chance Mumbai had of sneaking in with a win following the early loss of Lions’ wickets evaporated rather quickly.Quinton de Kock and Neil McKenzie looked in no trouble at all during the chase, and the eight-wicket victory margin was ample proof of Lions’ dominance. If anything, they could be troubled by spin, as Gulam Bodi found out on Sunday. The battle between Chennai’s spinners and Lions’ batsmen might well decide the outcome of the clash.

--By A Cricket Analyst