Chennai look to inflict first defeat on Hyderabad

Match facts

Oct 21, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (1400 GMT)

	Ian Harvey will be expected to give Chennai the perfect start at the top of the order© ICL

Big Picture

Chennai Superstars and Hyderabad Heroes are on equal points ahead of their clash on Tuesday but will be aware that a slip up could result in a drop down to the bottom half of the league. Chennai are currently third, having played an extra game, and will have their work cut out against an undefeated team which is currently ranked No. 2.

Having started with comfortable wins against Dhaka and Ahmedabad, Chennai narrowly missed out against Chandigarh. However, the winners of the inaugural ICL 20-20 Indian Championship and runners-up in the domestic tournament in 2008 will look to get back to their winning ways.

Their record against Hyderabad isn't flash, though, for they haven't beaten then once in four previous meetings. However, with Ian Harvey at the top, and the dependable R Satish and Russel Arnold in the middle, along Shabbir Ahmed and Nantie Hayward leading the bowling, Chennai could reverse the trend this time around.

Hyderabad sent out a strong message to the teams in their very first match against Lahore: they would not give up their crown easily. They beat Lahore in a reduced match and then completed a thrilling win against Dhaka Warriors thanks to their captain Chris Harris.

Abdul Razzaq has also looked in good form with both bat and ball for Hyderabad. He and Jimmy Maher form one of the most dangerous opening partnerships in the tournament. Ambati Rayudu will also be keen to get among the runs, having missed out against Dhaka after scoring 58 against Lahore.

Watch out for

Harvey: He possesses one of the wickedest slower balls in the game. He's also a hard-hitting batsman and will look to give Chennai the perfect start at the top of the order.

Arnold: Arnold's ability to adapt his game to the situation makes him an ideal No.6 in the line-up. He keeps calm under pressure and is also an excellent fielder.

Rayudu: A fluent stroke-maker with a compact technique, Rayudu has proved his abilities on several occasions. If the 58 against Lahore was anything to go by, he will play a big part in the fortunes of the Hyderabad Heroes this season.

Harris came into his own when Hyderabad were struggling against Dhaka. He single-handedly rescued the match with a 17-ball 37. His slow medium pace could also play a key role in containing the Chennai batsmen during the middle overs.

Quotes

"It is good to see them coming out so well, it only adds to our relief."
Harris on the performance of the local players in the squad

"I think it has to be the Chennai Superstars; the rivalry has always been there with them"
Rayudu on the team to look out for this season