Mumbai: The last time Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) visited the Wankhede Stadium, both the sides went onto beat Mumbai Indians in their respective encounters.
CSK thanks to heroic knocks from Dwayne Bravo (68 runs) and Kedar Jadhav (24 not out) defeated MI by 1 wicket in the first match of 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL). SRH on the other hand had their bowlers to thank for defending low score of 118 runs and win the nail biting game against the host by 31 runs.
This time around both the teams will be eyeing for a direct place in the final when they face each other in the qualifier 1 at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
SRH are coming into the game after devastating 5 wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders at their home ground, while CSK defeated Kings XI Punjab by the same margin in their adopted home in Pune.
With a place in final at stake, here are some of the players who could make a difference in the match.
Kane Williamson vs Dwayne Bravo
It is the battle between the best batsman in the tournament and CSK’s death over specialist. Kane Williamson is the second (661 runs) highest run scorer in this year’s tournament, while Dwayne Bravo is the second leading wicket taker for the yellow brigade with 11 wickets this season.
The SRH skipper has lead the team from front and his form is something that CSK bowlers will be wary of, having played the team twice earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Bravo has saved CSK on many occasions this season and once again he will be a crucial factor in team’s progress to the final.
Rashid Khan vs Ambati Rayadu
After being sold by Mumbai Indians, Rayadu has been a different player this season. Opening the innings for CSK the right hander has been a terror for every bowler in the tournament. His innings at the top of the order have laid platform for other batters in the team to accelerate in the final overs whether it is chasing or while setting up targets.
Rashid Khan once again proved while he is the most sought after cricketer in T20 league worldwide. After being hit for runs in the initial matches, the Afghan spinner made a strong comeback in the tournament with 16 wickets to his name. Once again SRH will be banking on their star spinner to run through the CSK batting lineup.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs MS Dhoni
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the vital member of the Sunrisers pace attack. His ability to swing the ball in the power play along with lethal yorkers in the final overs makes him a destructive bowler.
MS Dhoni needs no introduction. The man from Ranchi has been in tremendous form with the bat for the Yellow brigade this season. His crucial knock at the end has helped CSK win some crucial matches.
MS Dhoni’s big shots and his ability to finish the innings at the end will be crucial for CSK.
While Bhuvi is known for his lethal yorkers, MSD is known for his trademark helicopter shots which have yielded results against such deliveries. It will be interesting to see who will merge victorious in the battle of finishers.
