IPL 2019: Qualifier 1, CSK vs MI - Why Chennai Super Kings will win this match

It was an outstanding season of IPL cricket where the fourth qualifier Sunrisers Hyderabad went through after the completion of the last league game. Such was the nature of the tournament, it was that close and competitive.

So after 45 days of pulsating action, 56 games we have the four qualified sides - MI, CSK, DC and SRH. Some very familiar and expected names in the top four, the biggest surprise being the success story of the newly named Delhi franchise.

Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk for the first Qualifier tomorrow. CSK, courtesy their strong showing in the group stages, get to play the playoffs on their home turf where their spinners will come to the fore.

MI will also fancy themselves to beat CSK as they have already succeeded to defeat CSK twice in this year's IPL and in-fact tamed them at the Chepauk earlier. It promises to a definite humdinger, here's why the hosts CSK will win this match:

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#1 The performance of their spin trio spearheaded by Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir, the leader of the pack (Photo Courtesy: BCCI/ IPLT20.com)

CSK's march into the playoffs has been led by the 40 year old young Imran Tahir. CSK have assessed their strengths and the conditions so well by stocking their squad with spinners.

Tahir has led the bowling attack admirably. The joy with which he goes about bowling is very evident for everyone to see. The manner in which he celebrates dismissals is something unique in itself. With 21 wickets so far, hes breathing down the neck of fellow Proteas bowler Kagiso Rabada for the Purple Cap.

The other bowlers like Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh have worked brilliantly around Tahir. With clear roles specified for each bowler, Tahir is mainly the go to spinner at the fag end of the innings.

MI's chances completly rests on how well they play out Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja on a spin friendly deck at the Chepauk. They have done it well earlier this season, but the pressure of the Qualifier can evoke different performances.

#2 Their batting lineup is shaping up beautifully at the right time for CSK

Faf Du Plessis has found fine form just at the right tine (Credits: IPLT20.com)

Their batting earlier solely revovled around the 'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni. The other batsmen like Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo haven't shown their true worth.

But in their last 4-5 league games, we could see the other batsmen slowly stepping up to the plate and delivering on the faith and promised bestowed on them. Shane Watson after continuous failures roared back to form against SRH.

Suresh Raina's 359 runs with three fifties has come at the perfect time for CSK. But the biggest positive for them is the return to form of Faf du Plessis. Faf possesses the quality of judging the conditions very well and accelerating when required.

With Faf, Raina and Dhoni in fine form, CSK are in good hands and would fancy themselves at home against MI in the first Qualifier.

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#3 The presence of MS Dhoni, the captain and the wicket-keeper

MSD( Picture Courtesy: BCCI/ IPLT20.com)

CSK will be buoyed by the fact that their skipper and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni is in really good form. He was sick with fever and sore back and missed few games but on the whole, he has been instrumental in leading his side into the playoffs.

MSD, the skipper is a different person while captaining spinners especially on pitches that assist them like the Chepauk. He comes into his own strategically and brings out the best out of them.

Overall, ever since CSK made their comeback in 2018 there has been a resurgence of MSD the batsmen in T20s. He has amassed 368 runs this year making him the highest scorer for CSK. It's his hitting ability at the death overs that is umatchable.

It's the battle between two three champions at the Chepauk. The captain who can stay cool and calm in such pressure conditions will prevail. And Dhoni is known for that, so CSK can go in with that confidence.

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