IPL 8 CSK vs KXIP Preview: Table-toppers CSK take on wooden-spooners KXIP
CSK have already qualified for the play-offs and are fighting for the top two spots in the points table. (Source: BCCI)
Kings XI Punjab
What went right: With the rain curtailed match, KXIP sensed some respite against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Wridhiman Shaha, who was sent as an opener, grabbed the opportunity. Saha first targeted Mitchel Starc before hitting Aravind for 19 runs in his first over. By the time, Saha departed, KXIP had posted 34 runs in two overs. Later, skipper George Bailey used his bowlers wisely before Hendricks and Axar Patel tightened their grip on the RCB batsmen, Anureet Singh and Sandeep Sharma provided the crucial wickets of Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle.
What went wrong: Batting. The way Saha batted, it looked that KXIP can post a total more than 125 runs for Bangalore to chase. The team reached their fifty in 4.1 overs before another middle-order failure with Glen Maxwell failing once again.
Chennai Super Kings
What went wrong: Openers and middle-order failure. Despite Brandan McCullum staying for more than five overs, the Chennai side could only score 16 runs in the first five overs, failing to read slow balls by Zaheer Khan and S Nadem.
What Went right: The only solace which the SuperKings can draw from the loss is the way Ishwar Pandey and Pawan Negi bowled. Pandey picked up two wickets in his first two overs. The UP lad bowled full deliveries and did not give Yuvraj Singh and JP Duminy much chances to score before Singh smashed him for some runs in his third over.
Conclusion
Kings XI Punjab will see this game as an opportunity to boost their morale in what has been a disappointing season for them. Lying at the bottom of the table, a win against table-toppers CSK would help the youngsters in the team. For CSK, the match will also provide a chance to test some benched players and also to gain momentum ahead of the play-offs, Dhoni and Co would want to score runs especially in the middle-order.
Source:: Indian Express
