CSK to extend winning streak
Only a fool would have predicted that as we start match number 23 of the 2021 Vivo Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings would be on a four match winning streak and sitting pretty at the top of the table, and they will be looking to make it five from five as they take on the bottom of the pile Sunrisers Hyderabad who suffered a painful super over defeat on Sunday night to the Delhi Capitals. There is only one winner… right?
Leading from the front
The Chennai Super Kings have looked pretty impressive throughout the IPL so far this year, but their performance last time out has been the most remarkable to date. Their top of the table clash with the Royal Challengers Bangalore was always going to be tough, but the way they brushed them aside to seal a 69 run win, was truly remarkable.
Everyone contributed with the bat but Faf du Plessis (50) and Ravi Jadeja (62*) were the pick of the CSK batsman. Jadeja hit a whopping 37 from the last over the boost the Super Kings score from a slightly above par 154 to an excellent 191.
Jadeja took his confidence from the end of the first innings in to the response, as the spinner went on to claim figures of 3-13 from his four overs, including taking the wickets of the dangerous Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers.
You’d think if the Yellow Army take even a shred of form from the competition so far, they will breeze through this one, but the Sunrisers will be desperate to start getting things right.
The only way is up
When the Sunrisers Hyderabad needed just 4 runs to win from 3 balls against the Delhi Capitals, late on Sunday evening, they would have been pretty confident that they would have got their second win on the board. Instead they ended up in a super over scuffle, which saw them come off second best.
Despite the result, hopefully for Sunrisers fans, Head Coach Trevor Bayliss will realise that Kiwi Captain Kane Williamson needs to be one of the four overseas players that play each match. The only reason they got themselves in to a super over was due to Williamson’s calm 66*.
Without the leftie T Natarajan who has been ruled out for the rest of the competition and the Sunrisers have even more problems, but top of their list of things to do, will be to turn the tide, and topple the leaders in this one.
Match Tip
Whilst the winner of this one would seem obvious, CSK opener Faf du Plessis has been in exceptional form, and I think that will continue.
That’s why I am backing Faf du Plessis to hit 24.5 runs or more in the match between the Chennai Super Kings and the Sunrisers Hyderabad at 1.85 with Parimatch.
Post bet chat Jack's Tips:
56 for Faf who continued his good run of form.