It may not have the tournament's most explosive batsmen but it still does have a fair of batsmen who could make it very interesting as a contest. The IPL 2 second semi final is upon us and either way, the result will determine the finalists of the South Indian battle.
rcb wait
The Chennai Super Kings have lived up to their reputation as tournament favourites. Over the season they have had their hiccups with the fielding and with their bowling, which at times has been extraordinary, but other times, been devastating for the team's chances.
Makhaya Ntini is not likely to play this game as he has not through IPL 2 in South Africa. But Albie Morkel will be in the mix as will Sudeep Tyagi, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shadab Jakati and it will be interesting if the occasion will bring out the best in them.
There is little doubt that Matthew Hayden will be expected to be the destroyer against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. But there are others in the team such as Parthiv Patel, and Suresh Raina who are capable of turning the match on with their batting. Mahendra Singh Dhoni needs one innings and that match winning performance could have been saved up for an occasion such as this.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will be the underdogs. RCB came into the tournament with no expectations. But Kevin Pietersen's absence gave Anil Kumble the captaincy tag and matters changed favourably in the RCB's favour. Rahul Dravid in good form, Jacques Kallis taking the bulk of the all rounder's responsibility, Ross Taylor in good nick, Jesse Ryder yet to come to the party and the likes of Praveen Kumar in the bowling with Kumble himself, the RCB have the wherewithal to cause a major upset, if they could put up a strong all round performance.
Chennai will feel the pressure, RCB the excitement. Who can hold their nerve? Who will be relishing the party tomorrow in Johannesburg?
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