The ambitious Kings XI Punjab are set to take on the desperate Deccan Chargers in their last game of the Indian Premier League’s first round. The match will be played at the Himachal Predesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, on Saturday, May 21, 2011.
Punjab has to win this game at every cost and that too with as big a margin as possible. If they can manage the feat, they will move ahead of Mumbai and get a spot for themselves in the playoffs.
For the Deccan Chargers, the upcoming game cannot do much as they have already been knocked out of the tournament.
Leaders in light
Adam Gilchrist: The 39-year-old Australian all-rounder is leading Punjab. He has been utilizing his experience from the Australian vice-captaincy to lead Punjab through the turbulent waters of IPL.
However, despite his dauntless efforts, his side has not been able to make much of an impact in the tournament.
Kumar Sangakkara: The former Sri Lankan skipper is leading the Deccan side. He was brilliant in his stint as the Lankan captain, however, he has not been able to bring the same on the table for the Chargers.
Team Talk
Punjab: Their last four victories have sparked the fighting spirit and they wish to build on them and move to the next stage.
Shaun Marsh is in good form as is evident from their win against Delhi Daredevils. Their skipper seems to have found his lost form recently as well.
The team seems to have full firepower in all three departments, bowling, batting and fielding. Their top batting order is strong but the middle lags behind.
Piyush Chawla has been bowling well for them and will be looking to utilize his talents to get a final breakthrough.
It will be a pressure game for all the players since they will be fighting for a spot against competitive sides.
Deccan: They have not done justice with their talent. The entire batting line-up has been inconsistent and unreliable.
Their fielding department has been equally disappointing, however, the all-rounder, Jean-Paul-Duminy is in good form.
Dale Steyn is doing well with the ball but most of the young players have been weak throughout the tournament.
Watch-out for
Paul Valthaty: Paul is Kings XI Punjab’s talented Indian batsman who became the top scorer of the tournament in the initial stages.
He is also an excellent bowler when needed and his averages are impressive. Paul has been the spearhead of Punjab’s batting attack and will be looking to get his team through the final stages.
Jean-Paul Duminy: The brilliant South African all-rounder has demonstrated good cricket in the tournament for Deccan Chargers. He is a hard hitting batsman and a game changing player.
He cannot do much for his side, however, he can spoil the party for Punjab.
Pitch condition
The HPCA stadium poses to be the most beautiful cricket venue in India. It has a capacity of 23, 000 spectators. The pitch is somewhat live and fast and the winds give the pacers more power. The outfield is well-covered with grass and the temperature is likely to be in the range of 20 - 28° C.
Last Word
As it will be the last game of the tournament at the HPCA stadium, a large number of spectators are likely to attend.
Punjab will be under immense pressure, fighting for a spot. Deccan on the other hand, might want to spoil Punjab’s chances, since they themselves have nothing to lose. Let see which booms and which dooms.
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