Friday, May 27, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai Will it be a repeat of last year’s final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings or will Royal Challenger Bangalore march into the Indian Premier League (IPL) final? The million dollar question will be answered today when a rejuvenated Mumbai team meets Bangalore at the M A Chidambharam Stadium, Chepauk.
It is a neutral ground for both teams and hence adaptability to the conditions will play a vital role. Mumbai will carry with them the confidence of their last match victory over Kolkata Knight Riders while Bangalore will have to wipe away the impact of their last match defeat to Chennai. Confidence plays a big role in knock out matches.
Mumbai has won purely by converting the small mistakes in the Kolkata team to pull off a victory. Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir candidly admitted after the defeat: “The match was won and lost in the first six overs. We lost four wickets for 20 runs in the first six overs and Mumbai won because they put on 81 runs in the first six overs.”
Good start
Though Mumbai made it through, losing a few wickets after their good start, yet the impact of their dominance in the first six overs helped them win. The Mumbai-Bangalore clash will be no different because Mumbai’s chances will depend heavily on whether they get Chris Gayle out early. If Gayle stays beyond seven overs at the crease then Mumbai can very well end their dream.
Chennai won the first qualifier mainly due to Gayle quick exit. This does not mean that Bangalore will not have to play at their best in their first six overs against Mumbai. They have to ensure the exit of Sachin Tendulkar, who may not hit hard like Gayle, but as long as he will be at the crease it will be a nightmare for the bowlers.
An unknown Australian Adrien Blizzard who has not played One-dayers or Test matches has emerged as a worthy partner for Tendulkar. A repeat opening partnership is something that Mumbai will look forward to in this match. In fact, Tendulkar acknowledge the support he got from Blizzard saying: “It was a fabulous start from Blizzard, something we needed today. Some big shots played by him. This was one of the very few good starts we had in entire tournament”.
Mumbai pacers Lasith Malinga and Munaf Patel have also provided breakthrough at the right time. Bangalore bowling attack is equally strong but their skipper Daniel Vettori candidly admits that his bowlers need to bowl with better control. The battle to wrest control over the match will commence from the first ball and Twenty20 cricket will be at its best today.
ap
All set for the big day
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chris Gayle bats during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru last Sunday.
By K.R. Nayar?Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
