The two semi finals poured water on the excitment that IPL carried thourgh out the season. Personally, I am not even excited for the finals after watching Semi-Finals that were completely one sided from the word go and there was no contest at all. Chennai Super Kings cruised into finals by crushing Kings XI Punjab with bowling. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals knocked out Delhi with their batting and that makes finals a bit interesting.
Rajasthan Royals who started as underdogs, grew into a major force in the IPL losing only three of games during the season. Where as Chennai SuperKings started as hot favorites, with Dhoni in the side, along with Knight Riders. Rajasthan Royals are favorites for this game but as many say Dhoni has luck going his way and that might help him today as well to upset few bookies and Rajasthan Royals supporters. Dhoni could make a difference with his shrewed captaincy.
SA put an impressive score of 540 all out on day 2 of the first test at Chennai. Indian bowlers had no tricks up their sleeves to play against might batsmen of SA. Harbhajan had the best performance with a five wicket haul.
In reply, India started confidently with an overnight score of 82 for no loss. Virender Sehwag smashed an aggressive 52, justifying his captains decision to bring him back. Where as Wasim Jaffer chipped in with 25 as the Indian openers emerged unscathed from the 21 overs they faced before close.
Both of them were playing very confidently and freely, striking a six each. When they resume on Friday, they will need to score at least 341 to avoid an embarrassing follow-on.
