Champions League - Chennai Super Kings in Finals - Who is to lose to them ?

In the first Semis at Kingsmead, Durban, it rained and Raina reined. It was overcast at the start and match was disrupted after 2.5 overs at which time CSK were 15 without loss with Murali Vijay on 11. The match was reduced to 17 overs a side. MEK Hussey, left at 3.5 when score was 11; Vijay was out for well made 41 off 32 when score was 100(2) off 11.5. Raina remained unbeaten on 94 off 48 with 5 hits to the boundary and six over it.

Now they await the winner of the match at Centurion where South Australian Redbacks play Eastern Cape Warriors, the local side. Redbacks have not lost a single game thus far. Warriors have Botha, Juan Theron and Justin Kreusch bowling well and the caption Davie Jacobs making runs. They also have Ashwell Prince and Boucher. Redbacks are riding a crust with Klinger, Putland, Christian, Tait all performing well. It remains to be seen whether Makhaya Ntini and leftie Lonwabo Tsotsobe would threaten as much Tait & Co.

RCB had a lucky route to Semis with only two wins. A team like Victorian Bush rangers were out of the race though they had three wins. On a day when Raina was at his violent best, all bowlers including Kumble were hit all over the park. Rain had threatened Kumble already as the funny rule was that in case of no result, the team that finished higher on its Group points table will progress to the final i.e., CSK – had there been a no result.

As often said, the famous Kumble’s scowl - the characteristic distraught face with sullen contraction of eye brows was to the fore. The warrior went down fighting. He was let down badly by a terrible mishap of Dale Steyn running to take the spiraled mishit of Hussey and made a terrible landing. Thus one bowler less, he had to manage. Their fielding was also awful. Manish Pandey misjudged one at deep midwicket, when Raina was on 18 – perhaps had moved in too much on his own.

In the end the great knock of Raina ensured drubbing of RCB by 52 runs. Pandey made 52 off 44. Kallis was off due to an injury and the replacement; the highly priced White disappointed with both bat and ball. The good opening spell of Morkel also sealed the fate.

Now CSK has a fair chance of lifting the cup. Namma CSKku periya whistle adingo !

Regards – Sampathkumar S