The final league fixture of the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League will see the Chennai Super Kings come against the Kings XI Punjab. While Chennai have already qualified for the Play offs, KXIP would look at a slight mathematical probability of still making to the Play offs despite having a poor net run rate. That probability though would only come in to play when Punjab make it to 14 points.
CSK in their last match were caught short of the target put forth by DD on a slow sluggish surface and would be looking to end the league stage on a high against a struggling Kings XI Punjab who have lost momentum after a good start in the first half of the tournament. A win in this match will set them nicely for the Play Offs, the business end of the tournament.
Ashwin on the other hand will have a tough job trying to keep his men motivated ahead of the game at the MCA stadium in Pune, knowing full well that Punjab has only 1 win to show to their credit in the previous 7 games.
Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni have all been amidst runs in this season for Chennai and ahead of their Play-off games Chennai would want them to stay in the right frame of mind and play their positive frame of mind.
For Kings XI, Kl Rahul has been a lone warrior in the previous few games. Finch’s 40 odd against the Mumbai Indians in the last game where he batted at No.3 could be a good sign for Punjab who have suffered from a poor performance by the middle order batsmen. Chris Gayle started off the tournament with a bang but has not been his best in the previous matches which has made the job even more difficult for Punjab. These men would be the key for Punjab’s batting tonight.
Deepak Chahar and CSK spinners are expected to spearhead CSK bowling while a lot will depend on Andrew Tye for Punjab squad.
The last league match of this season will decide which indeed will be the fourth team to qualify for the Play offs. Broadcast starts at 20:00 Hours (IST).
