The Hindu : Sport : Chargers will strive to keep redemption journey on track

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Chargers will strive to keep redemption journey on track

IPL / Good foundation by openers crucial for Royal Challengers

Cape Town: Shrugging off the setback in the second match will be high on Royal Challengers Bangalore’s agenda, while Deccan Chargers would strive to keep its redemption journey on track when the two teams lock horns in an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match here on Wednesday.

The Bangalore team started its journey in the second IPL in style by drubbing the defending champion Rajasthan Royals by 75 runs, but could not show that consistency in its second encounter which it lost to Chennai Super Kings by 92 runs on Monday.

Skipper Kevin Pietersen will certainly expect another gutsy knock from Rahul Dravid, whose 48-ball 66 laid the cornerstone of its win in the first match, while there might be some experiments with the opening slot depending on the conditions on the match day.

But a good foundation by the opening pair is going to be crucial to post a good score or chase down a stiff target, especially under lights.

The middle order

Pietersen will be there to strengthen the middle order, while he will also expect the all-rounder Jaques Kallis to cash in on home advantage.

The bowling did well in the first match, dismissing the Shane Warne-led team for a paltry 58 thanks to Anil Kumble’s five-for, but appeared a bit sluggish against Chennai Super Kings.

The bowling line-up, consisting South African paceman Dale Steyn and Kallis, has to bring about the consistency if the Bangalore team, which finished seventh in inaugural edition, wants put the record straight this time.

Positive start

On the other hand, Deccan Chargers, which languished at the bottom last year, started its campaign on a positive note with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders.

The Hyderabad-based side will rely heavily upon its strong batting line-up with skipper Adam Gilchrist joining hands with in-form South African Herschelle Gibbs to form the opening pair.

V.V.S. Laxman might have lost the captaincy after last year’s dismal show, but the team will certainly expect some timely knocks from the stylish Hyderabad batsman. With New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris coming lower down the batting order, Chargers can expect to post a strong total.

The new-ball pair of R.P. Singh, who played the wrecker-in-chief against Kolkata scalping four wickets for just 22 runs, and West Indian Fidel Edwards, has the ability to penetrate, which is enough to make the opponents worried.

After its creditable show in last match, Gilchrist will also not hesitate to depend on the bowling prowess of Pragyan Ojha and Styris to produce some timely breakthroughs. — PTI

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