Chennai Super Kings v Victorian Bushrangers Champions League T20 2010 at Port Elizabeth preview

Chennai’s form has been impeccable, but the opposition have been Central Stags and Wayamba – clearly the weakest of all the teams in the competition. This means that the game against the Victorians will be their first true test and it will not be as easy as the previous wins. For Victoria, the first match was a game to forget against Warriors (11/8 at Coral). But they have come back well to beat the Stags in a game that went down to the wire.

Chennai will be favorites (4/6 at Stan James) for this one, but will need to hold all their catches if they are to maintain that tag. Indian teams have found it difficult to field as well as their opposition and that is where the problems have crept up for them.

The batting is not a problem on the whole for the Super Kings, but the form of Matthew Hayden (4/1 at Boylesports) is a definite issue. He had got out to a first-ball duck against the Stags and hardly got a move on against the Wayamba side. Suresh Raina (4/1 at Stan James) was at his explosive best on a track that had nothing for the pace bowlers, but the question is whether he will be able to get his best game out against a good bowling attack.

MS Dhoni (13/2 at Coral) has been holding himself back in the tournament so far, probably due to health reasons. However, one cannot see him not bat in the top four if the Super Kings lose early wicket in this game.

The Bushrangers have Aaron Finch (4/1 at Coral) to thank for their lone win in the tournament. His unbeaten 90 against the Stags was a well-compiled and a matured innings, something that the likes of David Hussey (4/1 at BetFred and Rob Quiney (9/2 at William Hill) could do well to learn. If Brad Hodge (7/2 at Boylesports) is fit, it will make things easier for the Bushrangers, as it was evident from the previous match that the lower-middle order like Andrew McDonald (8/1 at Blue Square) need their time to get on with the game.

Tips:
Favourites: Chennai Super Kings (4/6 at Stan James)
Top Chennai batsman: MS Dhoni (13/2 at Coral)
Top Victoria batsman: Brad Hodge (7/2 at Boylesports)

Read More >> Champions League T20

Chennai Super Kings v Victorian Bushrangers Champions League T20 2010 at Port Elizabeth preview

Chennai’s form has been impeccable, but the opposition have been Central Stags and Wayamba – clearly the weakest of all the teams in the competition. This means that the game against the Victorians will be their first true test and it will not be as easy as the previous wins. For Victoria, the first match was a game to forget against Warriors (11/8 at Coral). But they have come back well to beat the Stags in a game that went down to the wire.

Chennai will be favorites (4/6 at Stan James) for this one, but will need to hold all their catches if they are to maintain that tag. Indian teams have found it difficult to field as well as their opposition and that is where the problems have crept up for them.

The batting is not a problem on the whole for the Super Kings, but the form of Matthew Hayden (4/1 at Boylesports) is a definite issue. He had got out to a first-ball duck against the Stags and hardly got a move on against the Wayamba side. Suresh Raina (4/1 at Stan James) was at his explosive best on a track that had nothing for the pace bowlers, but the question is whether he will be able to get his best game out against a good bowling attack.

MS Dhoni (13/2 at Coral) has been holding himself back in the tournament so far, probably due to health reasons. However, one cannot see him not bat in the top four if the Super Kings lose early wicket in this game.

The Bushrangers have Aaron Finch (4/1 at Coral) to thank for their lone win in the tournament. His unbeaten 90 against the Stags was a well-compiled and a matured innings, something that the likes of David Hussey (4/1 at BetFred and Rob Quiney (9/2 at William Hill) could do well to learn. If Brad Hodge (7/2 at Boylesports) is fit, it will make things easier for the Bushrangers, as it was evident from the previous match that the lower-middle order like Andrew McDonald (8/1 at Blue Square) need their time to get on with the game.

Tips:
Favourites: Chennai Super Kings (4/6 at Stan James)
Top Chennai batsman: MS Dhoni (13/2 at Coral)
Top Victoria batsman: Brad Hodge (7/2 at Boylesports)

Read More >> Champions League T20

Champions League T20 Update: Redbacks defeats RCB

With the third consecutive win against IPL Royal challenger Bangalore in the Airtel Champions league T20 the South Australian Redbacks became the first team to qualify for the semi-final in the champions’ league tournament. Royal challenger was demolished by the Redbacks by 8 wickets. It seems that Bangalore can’t withstand the absence of the all-rounder Jacques Kallis from the team as the team was seen struggling in both the batting as well as bowling part of the game.

Batting first, Royal challenger posted a below average target of 154 runs in 19.5 overs which was chased by the Redbacks in 18.3 overs only with 8 wickets in their hand. After winning the toss, Royals decided to bat first. However, their decision to bat first did not go in their favour as they lost three of their initial wickets early in the match cheaply. Utahappa failed to open his account and he was sent back to pavilion on duck.

Royal’s inning was a bit controlled after the initial three blows and they were brought at the score of 74 in 10 overs. Du Preez played some attacking shots and with his 46 runs contribution to the total, Bangalore at one stage was looking at better position but the wickets kept falling and Royals were reduced to 154 for 10 with one ball to go.

Ross Taylor also made 46 runs. Cameron White contributed 25. For Redbacks, Daniel Christian took four wickets, while Tait and Putland took two wickets each. Chasing the target of 154 runs was made mockery by Redbacks batsmen as they made 124 runs for the first wicket stand. Redbacks reached the target of 155 in 18.3 overs only with 8 wickets in their hands.

Michael Klinger remained unbeaten on 69, while Daniel Harris made 57. Callum Ferguson remained unbeaten on 21. Klinger was declared “Man of the Match” for the second time in CLT20.

Read More >> Airtel Champions league T20

Champions League T20 Update: Redbacks defeats RCB

With the third consecutive win against IPL Royal challenger Bangalore in the Airtel Champions league T20 the South Australian Redbacks became the first team to qualify for the semi-final in the champions’ league tournament. Royal challenger was demolished by the Redbacks by 8 wickets. It seems that Bangalore can’t withstand the absence of the all-rounder Jacques Kallis from the team as the team was seen struggling in both the batting as well as bowling part of the game.

Batting first, Royal challenger posted a below average target of 154 runs in 19.5 overs which was chased by the Redbacks in 18.3 overs only with 8 wickets in their hand. After winning the toss, Royals decided to bat first. However, their decision to bat first did not go in their favour as they lost three of their initial wickets early in the match cheaply. Utahappa failed to open his account and he was sent back to pavilion on duck.

Royal’s inning was a bit controlled after the initial three blows and they were brought at the score of 74 in 10 overs. Du Preez played some attacking shots and with his 46 runs contribution to the total, Bangalore at one stage was looking at better position but the wickets kept falling and Royals were reduced to 154 for 10 with one ball to go.

Ross Taylor also made 46 runs. Cameron White contributed 25. For Redbacks, Daniel Christian took four wickets, while Tait and Putland took two wickets each. Chasing the target of 154 runs was made mockery by Redbacks batsmen as they made 124 runs for the first wicket stand. Redbacks reached the target of 155 in 18.3 overs only with 8 wickets in their hands.

Michael Klinger remained unbeaten on 69, while Daniel Harris made 57. Callum Ferguson remained unbeaten on 21. Klinger was declared “Man of the Match” for the second time in CLT20.

Read More >> Airtel Champions league T20

Royal Challengers to play against Redbacks for Semis birth

IN THE 11th match in the Airtel Champions Trophy T20 tournament this evening, Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on South Australia Redbacks at Kingsmead, Durban. South Australia have won in both the matches and topped the group, while Bangalore crushed Guyana in their only match in the tournament.
In the previous match on Sunday at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Royal Challengers won by nine wickets with 46 balls remaining against Guyana, which lost again yesterday against Mumbai Indians. Jacques Kallis showed his all-rounder performance and was declared man-of-the-match. Rahul Dravid also contributed as an opener. Young Robin Uthappa smashed 25 runs in just eight balls.
Other Banglore batsmen Virat Kohli, Ross Taylor and Cameron White can change the match with their abilities. In the bowling, Captain Anil Kumble, Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar can cause mayhem against any opponent with their world class bowling ability.
In today's match if Redbacks are able to win against Royal Challengers, they automatically qualify for the Semifinal. Their Captain Michael Klinger smashed 78 runs in 48 balls against Highveld Lions and 50 against Mumbai Indians. Daniel Harris scored 57 runs in 38 balls inning against the Mumbai Indians. Shaun Tait, who is one of the fastest bowler in international cricket, could be the main concern for Royal Challengers Bangalore this evening.
Royal Challengers Bangalore and South Australia Redbacks match in the Airtel Champions Trophy T20 tournament will start from 9 PM IST.

Royal Challengers to play against Redbacks for Semis birth

IN THE 11th match in the Airtel Champions Trophy T20 tournament this evening, Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on South Australia Redbacks at Kingsmead, Durban. South Australia have won in both the matches and topped the group, while Bangalore crushed Guyana in their only match in the tournament.
In the previous match on Sunday at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Royal Challengers won by nine wickets with 46 balls remaining against Guyana, which lost again yesterday against Mumbai Indians. Jacques Kallis showed his all-rounder performance and was declared man-of-the-match. Rahul Dravid also contributed as an opener. Young Robin Uthappa smashed 25 runs in just eight balls.
Other Banglore batsmen Virat Kohli, Ross Taylor and Cameron White can change the match with their abilities. In the bowling, Captain Anil Kumble, Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar can cause mayhem against any opponent with their world class bowling ability.
In today's match if Redbacks are able to win against Royal Challengers, they automatically qualify for the Semifinal. Their Captain Michael Klinger smashed 78 runs in 48 balls against Highveld Lions and 50 against Mumbai Indians. Daniel Harris scored 57 runs in 38 balls inning against the Mumbai Indians. Shaun Tait, who is one of the fastest bowler in international cricket, could be the main concern for Royal Challengers Bangalore this evening.
Royal Challengers Bangalore and South Australia Redbacks match in the Airtel Champions Trophy T20 tournament will start from 9 PM IST.

Mumbai Indians to play against South Australian Redbacks for first win

THIS EVENING at Kingsmead in Durban, Mumbai Indians will play for their first win in the ongoing Airtel Champions League T20 tournament against South Australian Redbacks in a Group B match. In the opening tie of the Champions League 2010, Mumbai Indians lost against Highveld Lions, whereas, South Australia Redbacks started their campaign with a victory over Highveld Lions at the SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Sunday.
Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar has the ability to clinch the victory from the jaw of defeat single-handed, but in cricket it is also important to see the team effort. In today's match, Mumbai Indians may consider the reshuffle in batting order of Kieron Pollard. He is one of the best stroke player of the world. Young Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu can also steal the show for their team. Today, Saurabh Tiwary may also get a chance ahead of R Sathish against South Australian Redbacks.
Mumbai Indians main concern is their bowling, in the previous match Zaheer Khan was very expensive, Harbhajan Singh is also not performing well. However, Lasith Malinga did bowl well against Highveld Lions.
South Australian Redbacks Captain Michael Klinger smashed 78 runs in 48-ball innings which had six fours and five sixes, to an 11-run victory over Highveld Lions. In the bowling department Shaun Tait, whose deliveries touched 150kmph, was the most successful bowler with three for 36 from his four overs.

Read More >> Champions League T20 tournament

Mumbai Indians to play against South Australian Redbacks for first win

THIS EVENING at Kingsmead in Durban, Mumbai Indians will play for their first win in the ongoing Airtel Champions League T20 tournament against South Australian Redbacks in a Group B match. In the opening tie of the Champions League 2010, Mumbai Indians lost against Highveld Lions, whereas, South Australia Redbacks started their campaign with a victory over Highveld Lions at the SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Sunday.
Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar has the ability to clinch the victory from the jaw of defeat single-handed, but in cricket it is also important to see the team effort. In today's match, Mumbai Indians may consider the reshuffle in batting order of Kieron Pollard. He is one of the best stroke player of the world. Young Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu can also steal the show for their team. Today, Saurabh Tiwary may also get a chance ahead of R Sathish against South Australian Redbacks.
Mumbai Indians main concern is their bowling, in the previous match Zaheer Khan was very expensive, Harbhajan Singh is also not performing well. However, Lasith Malinga did bowl well against Highveld Lions.
South Australian Redbacks Captain Michael Klinger smashed 78 runs in 48-ball innings which had six fours and five sixes, to an 11-run victory over Highveld Lions. In the bowling department Shaun Tait, whose deliveries touched 150kmph, was the most successful bowler with three for 36 from his four overs.

Read More >> Champions League T20 tournament

Mumbai Indians desperately need a win against Guyana

SACHIN TENDULKAR led Mumbai Indians desperately need a win against the Caribbean opponents Guyana at Durban today to survive their hopes for the Semi Final berth from Group B after back-to-back losses in the Airtel Champions League T20 tournament. Mumbai Indians is on the fourth spot in their group, whereas, Guyana is on the last in the group.
The IPL runner-up Mumbai Indians lost once while chasing against Highveld Lions and once while defending against South Australian Redbacks. On the previous two occasions they scored 176 and 180 runs. In the previous match, young Sourav Tiwary smashed brilliant 44 runs off 36 balls and Kireon Pollard cracked 36 runs. Captain Sachin Tendulkar also played brilliantly  for 62-ball 69 runs, in the first match of the tournament. Other Mumbai Indian batsmen also contributed for their side in the last two games.
In the bowling department only Lasith Malinga has been impressive. He picked important wickets on both the occasion, but Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh have failed to impress the batting sides. Zaheer Khan has picked only one wicket for 78 runs so far in the Champions League T20 tournament.
Mumbai Indians Captain Sachin Tendulkar blamed the fielding for the lost. Mumbai Indians dropped some important catches in the previous two occasions. He was also concerned a bit about the bowling department.
The Caribbean team Guyana lost their first game against Royal Challengers Bangalore by nine wickets. Skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan is the only big name in their side. Today's match between Mumbai Indians and Guyana is a do-or-die situation for both teams.

Read More >> Champions League T20

Mumbai Indians desperately need a win against Guyana

SACHIN TENDULKAR led Mumbai Indians desperately need a win against the Caribbean opponents Guyana at Durban today to survive their hopes for the Semi Final berth from Group B after back-to-back losses in the Airtel Champions League T20 tournament. Mumbai Indians is on the fourth spot in their group, whereas, Guyana is on the last in the group.
The IPL runner-up Mumbai Indians lost once while chasing against Highveld Lions and once while defending against South Australian Redbacks. On the previous two occasions they scored 176 and 180 runs. In the previous match, young Sourav Tiwary smashed brilliant 44 runs off 36 balls and Kireon Pollard cracked 36 runs. Captain Sachin Tendulkar also played brilliantly  for 62-ball 69 runs, in the first match of the tournament. Other Mumbai Indian batsmen also contributed for their side in the last two games.
In the bowling department only Lasith Malinga has been impressive. He picked important wickets on both the occasion, but Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh have failed to impress the batting sides. Zaheer Khan has picked only one wicket for 78 runs so far in the Champions League T20 tournament.
Mumbai Indians Captain Sachin Tendulkar blamed the fielding for the lost. Mumbai Indians dropped some important catches in the previous two occasions. He was also concerned a bit about the bowling department.
The Caribbean team Guyana lost their first game against Royal Challengers Bangalore by nine wickets. Skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan is the only big name in their side. Today's match between Mumbai Indians and Guyana is a do-or-die situation for both teams.

Read More >> Champions League T20

Royal Challengers Bangalore beats Guyana in Champions League T20

ROYAL CHALLENGERS Bangalore opened their account in Airtel Champions League 2010 T20 tournament with a big win against Guyana. Royal Challengers Bangalore crushed Guyana by nine wickets on Sunday night at SuperSport Park, Centurion. RCB's Jacques Kallis was declared man-of-the-match for his all-round performance.
Earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore's captain Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to ball first. Bangalore's bowler Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar did not allow Guyana's batsmen to make runs freely as the ball swung making it difficult to score freely. Jacques Kallis picked three wickets just for 16 runs in four overs. Guyana was all out for 103 runs in 20 overs. Christopher Barnwell scored maximum 30 runs for his side.
In response, RCB opened their inning in style. For the first wicket, openers Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid added 78 runs in 10.5 overs. Rahul  Dravid left the crease after making 33 runs in 34 balls with three fours. Next man Robin Uthappa smashed 25 runs with two massive hits over the fence and two fours in just eight balls. Jacques Kallis was not out for 46 runs with 4 fours and a six in 32 balls. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the match with 46 balls to spare.
Today in Champions Trophy T20 tournament, Victoria Bushrangers will play against Chevrolet Warriors at St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth in a Group A match. In their first game at the same ground on Saturday Warriors had beaten Wayamba.

Royal Challengers Bangalore beats Guyana in Champions League T20

ROYAL CHALLENGERS Bangalore opened their account in Airtel Champions League 2010 T20 tournament with a big win against Guyana. Royal Challengers Bangalore crushed Guyana by nine wickets on Sunday night at SuperSport Park, Centurion. RCB's Jacques Kallis was declared man-of-the-match for his all-round performance.
Earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore's captain Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to ball first. Bangalore's bowler Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar did not allow Guyana's batsmen to make runs freely as the ball swung making it difficult to score freely. Jacques Kallis picked three wickets just for 16 runs in four overs. Guyana was all out for 103 runs in 20 overs. Christopher Barnwell scored maximum 30 runs for his side.
In response, RCB opened their inning in style. For the first wicket, openers Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid added 78 runs in 10.5 overs. Rahul  Dravid left the crease after making 33 runs in 34 balls with three fours. Next man Robin Uthappa smashed 25 runs with two massive hits over the fence and two fours in just eight balls. Jacques Kallis was not out for 46 runs with 4 fours and a six in 32 balls. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the match with 46 balls to spare.
Today in Champions Trophy T20 tournament, Victoria Bushrangers will play against Chevrolet Warriors at St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth in a Group A match. In their first game at the same ground on Saturday Warriors had beaten Wayamba.