Defending champions Chennai Super Kings has started off their IPL campaign in a resounding manner after registering victories against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in their first two matches. They have a solid all-round team who has the ability to dismantle any franchise in the tournament. Like every year, Chennai Super Kings looks well set to qualify for their 12th straight playoffs and will look to continue their winning momentum when they meet the Rajasthan Royals tomorrow in the 12th match of the tournament.
The top order boasts of an exceptional all-round player in the form of Shane Watson. He made a match-winning impression against the Delhi Capitals and won the Man of the Match Award. The middle order looks pretty strong. Skipper MS Dhoni has been in good form and will look to provide his team with the much-needed stability in the middle order.
Chennai Super Kings started off with a couple of victories
The inclusion of Kedar Jadhav has provided Chennai Super Kings with the much-needed balance in both departments. His exceptional finishing abilities make him a special player to have in any team he plays for. His low arm action deliveries are not easy to pick which makes him an important bowler for CSK as well.
The yellow brigade produced an all-round showing in the first match. The spin trip was all over Bangalore as they bagged 8 wickets between them. They have someone like Dwayne Bravo who can manage the game towards the death overs. He is a sensational death overs bowler and will definitely look to play a part in tomorrow’s clash.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will be disappointed to lose their 2nd match despite putting up a strong show with the bat. Sanju Samson scored the first century of IPL 12. However, it wasn’t enough to hand RR a victory. It was a sensational batting display by Sunrisers Hyderabad openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow as Samson’s innings went in vain.
Date and Venue:
The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The stadium is also called Chepauk.
Pitch report:
The wicket in Chennai for the opening match of the tournament was pretty substandard. RCB were bowled out for just 70 runs and CSK had to fight hard to reach the target in the 18th over. We can expect to have a much better pitch as it is not a good advertisement for the game. However, the pitch will still remain on the slower side. The team batting first will look to score at least 140-150 to challenge the opposition.
Weather Report:
The Conditions in Chennai is expected to be pretty hot. Temperature is expected to touch 31 degrees with a humidity of 60%. Dew shouldn’t be a factor and no rain is expected for tomorrow’s clash.
Match Prediction
Given the sort of start, Chennai Super Kings has got in the tournament so far, I won’t be surprised to see them winning their 3rd consecutive match. Rajasthan Royals have a good side but CSK has a far better unit and should prevail tomorrow. Hence my bet is on Chennai Super Kings to win tomorrow’s clash.