Based on the team strength Sunrisers Hyderabad are no match for Chennai Super Kings. But the last match between them at Chennai saw that if Cameron White had thought better to use more spin and not to Keep Ashish Reddy waiting to bowl only the last over against rampaging Dhoni, Sunrisers were sure to win. With Sanga emerging as a good Captain and playing at home Sunrisers are the favorites against CSK, as the last match showed both were equal on field.
During the last match Sunrisers went on to score their second 150-total of the season and CSK bowling was not that effective. But as seen in the other match for the second time they lost after scoring 150-plus runs. There are stories on how Sunrisers can defend only a small total below 150 runs. Above that their bowlers get relaxed and give away freebies.
Sunrisers could learn that in away matches at Bangalore and Chennai where they could not defend 150-plus runs they had the opposition under control but could not control the opposition captains. In Bangalore Virat Kohli and in Chennai Dhoni chased them away single-handedly by brutal show of assault. Steyn failed too on both occasions and Amit Mishra alone could not tackle the rampaging bulls.
Current Performances
One more win can get CSK into the semifinal taking them to 20 points.
CSKs Results
SH is in the contention for semifinal, but they must win at least the remaining two home matches.
SHs Results
Team Comparison
CSK batsmen have been on rampage. They have been chasing any total against any team. MI was a blot where they recorded their first below-100 score in IPL. Yet CSK players have the record to prove they are the best team of 2013. Hussey may snatch the Orange Cap again from Gayle, for the third time, while Bravo already owns the Purple Cap. Mohit Sharma and Ashwin are regular misers, but otherwise bowling is not so effective. Batting has helped them win the matches so far as they cover the lack of overall good bowling unit.
CSK Team Performances
Primarily termed as a bowler’s team, Sunrisers have started batting deeper and scoring higher total after Sammy and Shikhar Dhawan joined the team. Overall Sunrisers have the best bowling unit, specially when they are playing at home. Batting needs improvement but it is no more weak.
SH Team Performances
Verdict
Teams feel confident after scoring high total. 150+ is a fighting total in T20. For Sunrisers Hyderabad 150+ total is a frightful total. Otherwise it defies logic how they can lose the matches where they scored 150 runs but won the matches by scoring anywhere between 120-149 runs!!!
Sunrisers fan would hope that is just a myth and not a rule for their team as now they have the batting to score 170 runs or more easily. Considering the last match between them Dhoni was the difference, and considering their performance at home Sunrisers are unbeatable. With CSK not having much edge Sunrisers are the favorites again at home.
Leave a Reply