Deccan Chargers look to turn tables
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In a format where fortune shifts loyalty in a matter of moments, Deccan Chargers would want to turn the tables, and put their IPL-5 campaign on track when they face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Barabati Stadium here on Sunday.
Chargers, who are looking for their first win in the tournament, boast of a 100 per cent win record at this venue (having won both their matches here in IPL-3) and will not want to alter it.
While their batting have delivered the goods, the bowling (barring Dale Steyn) and ground fielding have been nothing short of ordinary.
Skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Shikhar Dhawan have been in fine form, while Parthiv Patel, J.P. Duminy and Daniel Christian have the ability to clear the boundary ropes. Steyn will continue to charge in, and look for support from the other end in order to trouble the opposition.
The Knights, on the other hand, have three wins from six games in the competition. The Gautam Gambhir-led unit boasts of a lethal bowling line-up comprising Brett Lee, Jacques Kallis, L. Balaji, Sunil Narine and Rajat Bhatia.
All eyes will be on Narine as the Caribbean import has foxed the batsmen with his variations, scalping eight wickets from four outings.
Gauti has been fluent with the willow, and is the leading run-getter for the side (179 from six games). Brendon McCullum and Manvinder Bisla lend sturdiness at the top, while the ever-dependant Kallis and Manoj Tiwary add aggression to the middle-order.
The biggest worry for the Knights will be the form of Yusuf Pathan. With just 27 runs from five innings, Yusuf will be eyeing a longer stint in the middle.
The wounded Bulls will have to script a turnaround on Sunday if they nurse hopes of qualifying for the subsequent stages of the tournament.
Key player : Kolkata Knight riders Gautam Gambhir
Gauti has led from the front, scoring runs and marshalling his troops smartly. Being the sixth highest run-getter (179 runs from six games), the left-hander will be expected to fire at the top, and give his team a good start against Dale Steyn & Co. When fielding, Gauti will want to make all the right moves.
Key player : Deccan Chargers Dale Steyn
The premier fast bowler has been Deccan Chargers’ go-to man in this competition. With seven wickets from four games at an impressive average of 14.28 in IPL-5, the South African pacer will be expected to put the opposition under pressure right from the word go.
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