IPL 2019, Qualifier 2: CSK v DC – Stalwarts take on youngsters for a spot in Final
Three teams that finished with 18 points in the league stage have ultimately remained the top three. Mumbai Indians secured their place in the final with a victory over Chennai Super Kings in the first Qualifier. While Delhi Capitals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to storm into the second Qualifier. CSK and DC will now clash at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Friday to set a date in the final with MI.
Powered by Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant’s audacious batting, Delhi Capitals overcame Sunrisers Hyderabad by two wickets in the Eliminator at Vizag. Their nervousness in the end overs was apparent, but they sealed a win eventually. Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, were defeated comprehensively by MI. Their style of batting was disappointing and Mumbai Indians sauntered to a convincing win.
Chennai Super Kings
Ailing points –
CSK’s problems start at the top. Shane Watson has failed too often and looks short on confidence. His struggles have taken down CSK’s run rate in the Powerplay. Without a good start to bank on, the Super Kings have often lost out on the early advantage and are forced to play from behind.
Heavy dependence on MS Dhoni is another factor that the Yellow Army needs to take care of. In the death overs, the burden falls on MSD’s shoulders to blast opposition bowlers and carry the team to a safe score. While Jadeja has shown promise, CSK will want the middle order to step up to the run-making demand.
Strong areas –
Spin it to win it!
The bowling attack has been CSK’s biggest strength in the tournament so far. Deepak Chahar has played his role of ‘Powerplay bowler’ to perfection and has delivered crucial strikes for the team. Their spin core has performed fantastically with veterans like Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh leading the pack. Ravindra Jadeja has been effective by being supremely economical.
MS Dhoni’s sterling form at the end is another aspect that has helped CSK remain in the top ranks. The captain averages 135 after 13 matches with 405 runs at a strike rate of 139. MSD has struck 23 sixes this season. He has been phenomenal in the end overs for CSK.
Delhi Capitals
Ailing points –
Delhi Capitals have been getting into winning positions but are then redeeming the opposition by playing risky shots. The composure required to see the game through has been absent and this is an aspect that can cost them the match against a team like Chennai Super Kings. MS Dhoni is extremely sharp in sensing these crucial moments. DC will need to ensure that they stay on guard till the end.
Strong areas –
Delhi Capitals have a batting unit filled with young talent. Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant have frequently displayed what they are capable of. Shikhar Dhawan has played the senior’s role and has anchored the innings on most occasions. With an explosive batting lineup, DC is a side to be feared.
Meetings this season:
Chennai Super Kings have pummelled Delhi Capitals in both their clashes this season. In the first meeting at Delhi, the home side managed to post only 147/6 on the board. The Yellow Army chased it down without breaking a sweat. In Chennai, MS Dhoni’s men cruised to 179/4 after a sluggish start. The spinners subsequently took over and DC lost by a whopping margin of 80 runs.
