CLT20: Can the Chennai Super Kings maintain their form?

CSK had an impressive outing in the first game

After a tremendous performance in the first match against the Titans, Chennai Super Kings are once again on the rise. On a pitch which assisted the fast bowlers, the Super Kings produced a brilliant batting display and chased a massive total of 185 runs in 18.5 overs. M.S. Dhoni would be hoping that his boys replicate the same performance in the rest of the matches to qualify for the semi-finals.

In the first match against Titans, the bowling wasn’t too good from the Super Kings because of the dew on the ground. However, Mohit Sharma and Dwayne Bravo bowled extremely well and curtailed the run-flow at crucial junctures. Mohit Sharma got the new-ball to swing both ways, and Bravo was mixing up his pace very well, which eventually made life difficult for Titans’ stroke makers.

In addition he bowled a tight line and length to A.B. de Villiers and did not give enough room for him to free his arms. Whenever de Villers danced down the track, he delivered a short-ball at a slower pace, which deceived De Villers and he couldn’t time the ball. It was purely because of Bravo’s tight bowling at the death that the Super Kings managed to restrict the Titans to 185 runs.

Bravo also played a remarkable innings with the bat and helped CSK chase down 185. When the Super Kings were cruising along nicely, they lost the wicket of Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey in quick succession. At the time, the scoreboard read 114/3 in 10 overs. Chennai were in a commanding position, but it was important for Bravo and Badrinath to keep the required rate under control. The duo didn’t panic and kept scoring at a brisk-rate and from there  on Titans’ bowlers were clueless and eventually lost the game by 4 wickets.

Bravo’s form will be critical for the Super Kings. He will play an important role lower down the order, especially while chasing more than 9.00 runs per over. He has got a wide range of shots and also has the ability to react well in adverse situations. If he can reproduce the same kind of performance in forthcoming matches, the Super Kings will certainly have their noses ahead.