The much anticipated Shane versus Sachin confrontation does not seem like happening because of Warne’s injury according to the cricket news. Rajasthan will be much hampered by this. For this and other reasons, Mumbai have a definite edge over Rajasthan today. For one Mumbai have won the last two matches (against Bangalore and Punjab) they have played whereas Rajasthan have lost their last two ties (played against Deccan and Chennai).

Nothing succeeds like success and as Sachin himself was reported as having said in the cricket news: “Generally nothing works like victory. When you start winning, your body language is different, your intensity is different and that is what has happened today.” He said this after the win against Mohali.

The Mumbai Indians batting definitely looks stronger. Sachin Tendulkar is coming good and is among the runs. J P Duminy has repeatedly proved his worth for his team with his consistent performances. Though Sanath Jayasuriya’s form has been patchy at best, the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Ajinkya Rahane have really kept it together for the team. By contrast the Royal’s batting looks far less impressive, with Graeme Smith unable to really break free and the side too heavily reliant on Yusuf Pathan though Naman Ojha has now displayed himself to be a reliable bat.

The bowling of the Mumbai team also seems in fine fettle with Harbhajan’s superb spell against Punjab fetching him the man of the match award on their last outing. Lasith Malinga is also keeps proving why he is such a highly regarded player in international cricket. Even Zaheer Khan’s absence does not seem to be bothering them much.

The fact that neither Warne’s bowling guile neither his out- of – the - box captaincy will be available today will greatly deplete the Rajasthan side. Warne is able to get the breakthroughs often just through some very creative bowling changes. Amit Singh and Kamran Khan being unavailable will further deplete the side’s bowling attack.

Mumbai is a side that seems to be peaking just about now. Their fielding has seen a marked improvement, due in no small part to ace fielder Jonty Rhodes. It was brilliant catches that brought them back into the game against Punjab according to Tendulkar. So the second of today’s IPL T20 matches will begin as Mumbai Indians firm favourites to beat the Rajasthan Royals.

Comments

Add New RSS

3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

Newer news items:

Older news items: