IPL: CSK vs MI - UAE supporters preview

Sport360 staff 00:09 19/05/2015
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  • Will Chennai fans be celebrating at the close of play?

    Ahead of the first qualifier in the Indian Premier League between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, we asked two fans from the respective sides to share their predictions for the game.

    Do you agree with their thoughts or have they missed the mark? Use #360fans across social media to have your say on the big match.

    Sundeep Lewis – Mumbai Indians fan

    At the end of the group stage nobody would have given Mumbai a chance to qualify for the playoffs, let alone qualify in second spot.

    It has been a truly remarkable turnaround from the team which lost their opening four games and was bottom of the league for almost half the season.

    They now look like a side that have found their ideal combination and are ready for any kind of challenge.

    Mumbai welcome Chennai to the Wankhede full of confidence, with the opening combination in terrific touch and their bowling having found good rhythm with the likes of McCleneghan and Malinga providing early breakthroughs more often than not.

    The only worry they have heading into the game would be the third seamer as both Vinay Kumar and Bumrah have been expensive.

    Chennai, on the other hand, have been favourites to top the group ever since the season started.

    Arguably the most settled lineup in the whole of the IPL, their batting performances have been average compared to its promise.

    The bowling and fielding unit has rescued them from losing positions many times this season and ensured some thrilling wins.

    Losing McCullum is crucial and Michael Hussey will need to use all his experience to fill the Kiwi opener’s boots.

    Skipper MS Dhoni has been in these situations before and has a mixed share of results.

    CSK have not won the IPL title since 2011 and they would want to change that this year and lift their third title.

    Prediction: Mumbai to edge it.

    Mumbai predicted line-up: Simmons, Patel, Sharma,Pollard, Rayudu, Pandya, Suchith, Harbhajan, Kumar, Malinga, McClenghan

    Chennai predicted line-up: Smith, McCullum, Raina,  DuPlessis, Dhoni, Bravo, Jadeja, Ashwin,Sharma, Pandey, Nehra

    Mumbai player to watch: Hardik Pandya – Dubbed as an Indian all-rounder with a West Indian technique, Pandya has to be given credit for Mumbai’s qualification. His innings against KKR in the penultimate game this season not only deflated KKR but also gave his team a chance to get into the top 4.

    Expect a feisty performance from the youngster especially when the limited overs Indian captain is in the opposite side.

    Chennai player to watch: Suresh Raina – In the absence of McCullum at the top, the IPL’s top scorer needs to step up to the plate. He has scored just 321 runs in the group stage, his lowest ever IPL season tally and the pressure is definitely on him. This would be the ideal time to make a statement and give the Chennai batting a huge lift in the Playoffs.

    Place to watch: Time Cafe, Rame Royal Hotel Bur Dubai

    Naresh Gunasekar – Chennai Super Kings fan

    The Chennai Super Kings go into Qualifier 1 as the leaders of the lot, while Mumbai Indians have scraped through to 2nd place and earn themselves a spot in this match with a must needed win in their last game.

    It will be an evenly poised contest between the former champions. Both teams will strive to book a direct spot in the finals, which makes this match a highly entertaining one to start the eliminator stage of the competition.

    CSK has set strong foundations every time they have walked out to bat. However, what they have not done is convert those starts into big scores.

    The pace bowlers will have to have their wits about them and consistently hit the right line and length or they may end up leaking vital runs. Dhoni will once again be looking to play with three spinners in his team.

    Mumbai extraordinarily won six out of their last seven matches they and will be a serious threat.

    CSK’s recent form, meanwhile, has been a bit shaky and they’ll certainly miss their dynamic New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum, who is England bound with his country’s Test team.

    The last time these two teams faced off at the Wankhede, CSK came out on top, while at the Chidambaram, Hardik Pandyas’ late blitz gave the Mumbai Indians a much needed win.

    Dhoni & co would be looking to bat first as that’s their strength and Wankhede provides a solid flat pitch. 

    Prediction: CSK to win and book their finals berth.

    CSL player to watch: Dwayne Smith – The West Indian will be returning to his old home ground where he will be looking forward to take charge in the absence of McCullum. Smith has been out of touch the last few matches but he’ll be looking for a grand comeback against his old employers. 

    Mumbai player to watch: Alex Hales – The Englishman replaces Corey Anderson and will be looking to prove his worth in this important clash. In his last T20 game in England, Hales hit 6 consecutive sixes and ended up with a score of 86*, taking his side to a comfortable victory. He could make the difference between a final total of 160 and one in the region of 200-plus.

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