CSK vs KKR: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
The IPL 2019 is set to witness the biggest clash of this term. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings collide with Kolkata Knight Riders in match number 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. These two table toppers battle it out tomorrow as only one team would have the last laugh. Here we present the match preview for this tie.
Both teams enjoying a dominant season
Considering the form of both the sides, they both are coming off wins in their previous respective matches. CSK managed a fine 22-run win over Kings XI Punjab, which did take them to the top spot. However, it was the Knights, the next day, who triumphed Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets to dethrone CSK, courtesy a better run-rate.
Faf, Lynn among men to watch out for
Talking about the players, the focus is likely to be on CSK's Faf du Plessis, who was outstanding in the last tie, scoring a 38-ball 54 run-knock. From KKR, all eyes would be on swashbuckling opener Chris Lynn. He has been in good form since the past two matches. Further, Dhoni's captaincy can test KKR. Overall, an unchanged XI awaits.
CSK hold the edge over KKR
Taking into consideration the head-to-head records between the sides, CSK have the edge. In 19 IPL matches, CSK have won 11, while KKR have won seven. Out of 17 matches in India, CSK have won 11, while KKR have won the remaining six. In Chennai, eight matches have been played to date and CSK have emerged victorious on six ocassions.
A rank turner awaits in Chennai?
Although the opening game in Chennai saw a slow and turning track, leading to criticism, it wasn't the case in the next game, which saw scores over 160. However, going by tradition, the track is likely to remain slow, especially in the second half. Therefore, the team winning the toss would look to bat first as teams might move in with an extra spinner.
Here's the predicted Playing XI
CSK: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Scott Kuggeleijn, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir. KKR: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish, Dinesh Karthik (c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Harry Gurney, Prasidh Krishna. Dream XI: Dhoni, du Plessis, Raina, Lynn, Nitish, Narine, Russell, Jadeja, Gurney, Kuggeleijn, Tahir.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Time: 8 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.
