Lahore side will have to come up with exemplary display to get past CSK
Suresh Raina during a practice session on Wednesday (Photo: Satish. B)
Bengaluru: The Lahoris are huge fans of the big cats and the name Lahore Lions, it is said, was an obvious choice when they had to name the team. Much like the animal, the team from across the border has the fighters’ instinct. Their battle began even before they crossed over for the Champions League qualifiers in Raipur, when visa issues threatened their participation.
Having overcome the diplomatic issues, they felled the mighty Mumbai Indians to seal a main draw berth. The Mohammed Hafeez-led side did threaten to end Kolkata Knight Riders’ 10-match winning streak in Hyderabad on Sunday, but fell short, but not before putting up a fight.On Thursday, as they take on the Chennai Super Kings here, they will have to come up with an exemplary display of their wares to get past the southern sizzlers.
Given the batting delight laid out at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium, curtailing the in-form Suresh Raina will be a tall order. Add to that big-hitters like Brendon McCullum, Faf du Plessis and skipper Mahendra Singhi Dhoni who can give the best bowlers the shivers. The Lions will also have to watch out for danger man Ravindra Jadeja who can swing his bat rather dangerously.
That said, the Super Kings, who took the inexperienced Dolphins’ bowlers to the cleaners will have to keep their game plan at hand to tackle the pace force from Pakistan. By far, the Lions’ strength lies in their pace attack which is led by the experienced Aizaz Cheema and includes Wahab Riaz and Asif Raza. Statistically, a loss here will all but send the Lahore team back home, while a victory for former champions CSK means they inch closer towards a semifinal berth
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