Pune Warriors India vs. Chennai Super Kings - Preview

Pune Warriors India lost to Kings XI Punjab for the first time since the inception of the team at the 2011 season of the IPL. Their loss can be chalked up to a game that was average at best. Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, chased down the score of 205 set by Royal Challengers Bangalore in what is being called the most exciting match of the season. PWI and CSK, two days after their dismal defeat and incredible victory, come face to face today at the Subrata Roy Stadium.

Adding to PWI’s distress is the fact that they have never defeated CSK. Chennai’s depth and variety will be a great challenge for Pune’s bowlers who will have the responsibility of making up for their not so impressive batting line up. Ganguly has been captaining his team well, but will have to be at his best, on and off the pitch, as his team takes on the team led by the bold and often victorious Dhoni.

Head to head:

PWI and CSK have come face to face twice in the IPL 2011 season. In their first encounter, PWI lost by 25 runs as CSK comfortably defended the target of 142. Their second match saw CSK win by 8 wickets as they smooth sailed their way to the target of 141 set by PWI.

Players to watch out for

Chennai Super Kings:

Ravindra Jadeja, with his accurate bowling, hard hitting batting and agile fielding has helped his team gain two out of four victories in the series so far. But his performances in the matches that CSK could not win have not shown much promise. A good day for the Super Kings’ X factor could spell trouble for the Warriors.

Suresh Raina, although collecting runs for his team, has been unable to reach his best form. However, known for his shots that send the ball sailing over the boundary, Raina can be a threat that PWI’s bowlers find difficult to take on.

Doug Bollinger has been a consistent wicket taker for CSK. And leaving their match against the Delhi Daredevils aside, his success has only been growing. Riding on the high of 3 wickets for 24 runs in their last match against RCB, Bollinger can be the reason that PWI’s batting line up may not be able to create some magic on the pitch.

Pune Warriors India:

Angelo Mathews, one match old in the 2012 IPL, couldn’t unleash his full potential in the Warriors’ match against Kings XI Punjab. But his undeniable talent, if given the opportunity, might be costly for CSK. What remains to be seen is whether PWI’s X factor helps gives his team the required advantage.

Robin Uthappa has been one of the most consistent batsmen of the Warriors’ team so far. His innings at Mohali was a speed bump in his hitting streak, the return of which could be the advantage PWI need to hold back CSK.

Rahul Sharma claimed 2 wickets in their first home match against KXIP, one of them being the intimidating David Hussey. His talent and willpower will make him a player to watch out for as he helps his team in the attempt to bring back a second home ground victory.

Prediction

PWI has a better win ratio than CSK but Pune’s victories have not been anywhere as grand as Chennai’s. Based on the Warriors’ poor performance in their last match against KXIP and the Super Kings’ victory over RCB, tips the odds in favour of CSK emerging the winners of this encounter.

For more interesting reads:

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/14/penultimate-vs-ultimate-the-more-important-over/

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/08/ipl-who-will-take-the-crown/