 Deccan Chargers to play for pride against Kings XI Punjab
22nd May 2008 18:01 IST
Agencies
Rain threat looms as Deccan Chargers will look to play for pride when they take on Kings XI Punjab, who would be looking to seal another win to fully secure their berth in the semis of the IPL competition in Mohali on Friday.
Languishing at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from 11 matches so far, Chargers have lost hopes to make it to the semis, but they would be anxious to salvage a win at the PCA Stadium.
However, by no means it is going to be an easy task as Chargers are up against a team, which will be playing on its home turf and has won eight of their 11 games so far and with its batsmen in terrific form and bowlers not willing to give anything away.
The Punjab team, which yesterday beat Mumbai Indians by one run in a thrilling encounter in Mumbai, know that despite having virtually qualified for the semi finals, they will need to beat the Chargers to be on the safer side when the list of four teams is drawn.
Chargers would be looking forward to a big innings from Adam Gilchrist and hoping that Shahid Afridi, who is yet to live up to his reputation.
It would be interesting how Rohit Sharma and Herschelle Gibbs treat the Punjab bowlers.
Chargers left-arm pace bowlers Nuwan Zoysa and Rudra Pratap Singh will need to give their best on Friday if they are to fancy their team's chances.
An area of concern at the moment is unseasonal rains in the northern region of the country, which have been caused by couple of weather systems active over the region.
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