IPL 6: Chennai face Sunrisers Hyderabad pace threat

Date – 8th May 2013

Time – 8.00 p.m (IST)

Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad had contrasting games. While Chennai were bowled out for 79, Sunrisers Hyderabad rattled the Delhi Daredevils for 80. Chennai Super Kings have experimented against Mumbai Indians as this was the perfect time to do. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, have been relentless at home as they managed to knock-out their opponents convincingly.

It was a poor batting display by the Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians. They completely shuffled the batting order to see what happens in a small chase on a perfect batting strip. They also made some good moves by sending Bravo up the order, but it did not work out as he threw his wicket away. Also, in the last part of the Mumbai Indians innings, MS Dhoni committed a few mistakes. He started with Chris Morris, but didn’t give him the full quota of four overs. Chris Morris has proven a versatile bowler at the death overs as he is capable of delivering yorkers. He also didn’t give Bravo another over as his pace variations could have curtailed the flow of runs. Apart from this, the decision to give Ben Laughlin the final over cost CSK the match as he wasn’t accurate with his line and length. So, if Albie Morkel is fit, he should replace Laughlin. He should stick with the combination that can deliver the goods under pressure situations.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, have been exceptional in this season’s IPL. This was their second outstanding performance in IPL after they won the title in the second edition of the IPL. They have four specialist bowlers, three specialist batsmen and two all-rounders, which is the basic feature of T20 Cricket. Dhawan’s form will be critical from Sunrisers Hyderabad point of view as the batting stumbles with his wicket, as you would have witnessed their performance against Rajasthan Royals. If the batting clicks for Sunrisers Hyderabad, then it will be one of heck of contest.

Pitch and Conditions

The wicket at Hyderabad, more often than not, aids pace-bowlers. Steyn and Ishant had exploited the wicket and came up victorious. The conditions at Hyderabad are hot, and it wouldn’t play an important role as this is an 8’o clock game. There will be a hint of movement with the new ball and it becomes much easier to bat as the ball gets older. The wicket is expected to be slightly on the slower-side and therefore, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bat first.

Watch out for:

Sunrisers Hyderabad pace attack: Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma have exploited this wicket perfectly. They swung the new-ball and kept the batsmen guessing. Ishant brought the ball into the right hander and deceived high-quality batsmen in this season’s IPL. They will once again be a threat to the star-studded Super Kings batting. Although, Hussey has got the vast experience, he will be tested in Hyderabad’s wicket. A lot will depend on Steyn and Ishant to deliver for Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Chennai Super Kings.

Opening batsmen of CSK: Michael Hussey has performed brilliantly in this season’s IPL for the Super Kings. Murali Vijay is struggling to get the momentum. The duo will have to be watchful against the Sunrisers Hyderabad pace-attack. They will have to play the first six overs carefully as it will be difficult for the batsmen to play shots against the new-ball. If CSK don’t lose too many wickets within the first six overs, then they would be unstoppable.

Prediction

It is certainly going to be a great match. Chennai have been ruthless in this tournament apart from the bad game against Mumbai Indians. Sunrisers Hyderabad have been unstoppable at home. Therefore, Sunrisers Hyderabad have a slight edge over the Chennai Super Kings. But if CSK batsmen can deliver the goods, then they should win comfortably against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. It all depends on how CSK batsmen approach the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers.