A league of extraordinary matches

If Bangalore and Delhi showed how to chase this week, KKR and Punjab demonstrated how to botch it up. Their targets were under run-a-ball and while KKR managed to get themselves over the line (and simultaneously drag Rajasthan along with them to the tournament exit door), Punjab destroyed their chances of making the semi-final with an abject batting display, undoing the good work of their bowlers. Ironic, considering how people had said their batting outweighed their bowling before the tournament started. This is nothing to take away from Chennai's spinners, who strangled Punjab's batters and forced them to commit errors. When a side concedes 38 runs off 12 overs of spin and takes 6 wickets in the bargain, there can be only 1 winner, even with a gettable total. 

Punjab's loss yesterday opened a huge window for Deccan and Bangalore, specifically for the latter, as the margin of crashing out of IPL 2 became a lot wider for them. And they duly obliged, with Manish Pandey, a 19-year-old youngster from Karnataka slogging and cutting his way to become the first Indian centurion over 2 seasons (aptly at Centurion). Spurred by on his ton and a late flourish from Virat Kohli, Bangalore finished at 170-4, setting up a strong case for qualification. If Punjab had to qualify, Deccan had to overhaul that total in 11.2 overs, an-almost impossible task. Expectedly, Bangalore ensured this did not happen and as if to prove that they didn't really want net run-rates to come into the picture, defeated Deccan by 12 runs. Gibbs and Gilchrist had got off to a rocket start, again, and though Gilly fell early, Gibbs motored along and took advantage of an easy life at 49. However, after he fell, Deccan collapsed to a mild extent and ultimately left themselves with a mammoth task of getting 26 off the last over. Rohit Sharma would have fancied his chances, but he was already out by then, accounted for by Kumble. He would be quietly satisfied at the performance of the other bowlers, especially Akhil and Kohli, who stood up when Kallis limped off with a hamstring problem. 

With the league matches all done and dusted with, the semi-final line up reads thus:

FIRST SEMI-FINAL - MAY 22, 2009, CENTURION

Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers

With their 2nd loss on the trot, Deccan would have no momentum. But, only a complete idiot would rule out a team that has Gilchrist, Gibbs, Symonds, Rohit Sharma, and the current Purple Cap owner, RP Singh. Delhi may have won twice against Deccan during the league but, they will look at erasing the memories of embarrassing loss in IPL 1's semi-final against Rajasthan. The most encouraging sign for them would be the welcome return to form of Virender Sehwag. Their bowling is top-class and with a very stable middle-order and a terrific death-bowler in Rajat Bhatia, they will look to chase against Deccan, considering Rohit Sharma's recent Houdini's acts. 

SECOND SEMI-FINAL - MAY 23, 2009, JOHANNESBURG

Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Surprise, surprise. Bangalore's last 3 opponents in the league phase were Chennai, Delhi and Deccan (this year's semifinalists, if you missed the point) and all were defeated. It may be argued that Chennai and Delhi handed their matches on a platter with some poor batting, but Bangalore's bowling was also praise-worthy. Chennai and Bangalore shared their league encounters this year, like they did last year. While this may seem that both teams are evenly matched, Chennai have the edge in terms of batting, with 2 of the top 5 run-getters in their ranks (Hayden and Raina). Expect Dhoni to warn his team severely against any semblance of complacency, considering the public lashing he gave his bowlers after KKR's remarkable chase against them a few days ago. Bangalore would be worried by Kallis leaving the field today but, have an extra day to get him back to match fitness. Their more pressing concern would be fielding, as Uthappa put down yet another sitter today.