Chennai take on Deccan in battle of past masters

Updated on: 01 May,2011 07:25 AM IST |
Sai Mohan |

2009 victors Deccan Chargers clash with defending champs Chennai today

2009 victors Deccan Chargers clash with defending champs Chennai today

In a battle of the previous two champions, Chenani Super Kings host Deccan Chargers in a potential Sunday evening cracker.

Deccan ace Dale Steyn

Coming off a big win in a low-scoring tie against Kochi on Wednesday, Deccan's bowling attack comprising four Test bowlers - Amit Mishra (9 wickets), Dale Steyn (9 wickets), Pragyan Ojha (4 wickets) and Ishant Sharma (7 wickets) - have stumbled at crucial junctures courtesy their batting. Besides rare moments of brilliance from Bharat Chipli and Sunny Sohal, and skipper Kumar Sangakkara's consistent showing, Deccan's batting has come a cropper.

On the other hand, all of CSK's top five batsmen have been amongst runs. Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay and Subramaniam Badrinath have all aggregated over 200 runs thus far. CSK have won all three home games this season, and seven out of their last eight home games (over two seasons).

Both camps acknowledged that it is largely a contest between Deccan's bowlers and Chennai's batsmen. "We have a good attack of pace and spin. We have Indian bowlers who know the conditions and of course Steyn. Mishra and Ojha will provide variety," said Chargers vice-captain Cameron White.

Chennai coach Stephen Fleming said: "Their seam attack is really strong with Steyn and Ishant. They also have top-class spinners. Our focus is to play the same brand of cricket that has helped us win three back-to-back home games, and given us the home advantage. We don't want to analyse too much about the opposition, that's against our approach."