Chennai Super Kings-size clash
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Two teams with different pasts will lock horns at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Saturday.
While the resurgent Chennai Super Kings, after an indifferent start to the tournament, have done well to claw their way to the upper tiers, Kings XI Punjab have failed to regroup and are languishing at the bottom of the points table.
After posting a backbreaking victory over Rajasthan Royals, Super Kings would have liked to continue their winning streak against Royal Challengers Bangalore a couple of days ago.
However, the defending champions had to be content with a solitary point as rain played havoc in the away fixture.
In hindsight, Super Kings must have relished the week-long break and they would be raring to go against a fly-by-night Punjab unit.
Super Kings have ticked most of the boxes. Their glaring issue at the top of the order — with opener M. Vijay misfiring — has been hemmed by the promotion of S. Badrinath.
The Tamil Nadu batsman has added two 50-plus first-wicket partnerships with the marauding Faf du Plesis in as many matches.
Their fruitful returns have provided a perfect launch pad for stroke-players Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo to flex their muscles from the onset.
The two-time defending champions will, yet again, look up to their proficient openers to set the ball rolling.
Super Kings received a further boost with the return of their mainstay Albie Morkel. The South African all-rounder missed a couple of matches after he flew back to his country to attend his friend's funeral.
Albie replaced left-arm pacer Doug Bollinger against Bangalore in the abandoned game. Meanwhile, R. Ashwin has been bowling the way he knows best - economically.
The tall off-spinner, along with Nuwan Kulasekara, has kept the batsmen on a tight leash, which urges the latter to play inane shots in order to break the shackles. Super Kings have also been immaculate with their fielding efforts.
Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, are still awaiting the smile of fortune.
The brilliant form of stand-in skipper David Hussey and Azhar Mahmood should hold the visitors in good stead.
The surprise package for Punjab has been their leading wicket-taker Parvinder Awana.
However, the 25-year-old right-arm seamer, who has nine wickets from four outings, will need to be careful with his length on an easy-paced MAC surface.
If Punjab looks to make a meal of it, a lot will also depend on Adam Gilchrist's availability. The Australian legend has been missing in action due to a hamstring injury.
In their previous game, Punjab looked all set to cross the bridge against Mumbai Indians before Piyush Chawla's 27-run over changed the outcome. Punjab would do well to erase the nightmare quickly and start afresh.
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