Powerful Chennai start as favourites

Match facts

Oct 14, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (14.00 GMT)

Big Picture

After a convincing win against newcomers Dhaka Warriors, the Chennai Superstars start as favourites against the struggling Ahmedabad Rockets, who finished last in the previous tournament. The main difference between the two sides is likely to be the batting.

Despite the absence of their regular captain Stuart Law, who is nursing a toe injury, Chennai have a formidable batting line-up, Five of their batsmen were among the top 12 run-getters in the previous Twenty20 tournament in March. Ahmedabad's batting, in contrast, was a shambles with their experienced internationals - captain Damien Martyn, West Indian Wavell Hinds, and Zimbabweans Murray Goodwin and Heath Streak - failing to make an impact.

Looking to thwart Ahmedabad's stars from getting into form will be Chennai's potent bowling attack: T Kumaran, who was impressive in the previous tournament, Shabbir Ahmed, who starred in their triumph in the inaugural competition, and Ian Harvey are joined by South African fast bowler Nantie Hayward. Ahmedabad will be heartened by the performances of their key bowlers Jason Gillespie and Streak in the game against the Delhi Giants and will need a repeat show from them if they are to keep big-hitting Chennai in check.

Watch out for

G Vignesh: He was the stand-out player during the recent domestic competition, ending up as the leading run-getter and joint second-highest wicket-taker. He announced himself with a 17-ball 50 against the Mumbai Champs last season and ended the March tournament with a strike-rate of 186 .

Ian Harvey: He has been one of the most consistent performers in the ICL, providing Chennai with cracking starts with the bat and timely breakthroughs with his clever changes of pace with the ball. He and Vignesh showed how dangerous they can be by racing to 50 off just 2.5 overs in Saturday's game against Dhaka.

S Sriram: For long one of India's most successful batsmen on the domestic circuit, he has been Ahmedabad's best batsmen in the ICL and will be looking to duplicate previous season's excellent form.

Quotes

"We had problems earlier. But now everyone is gelling well. Moreover, everyone is looking in good touch. "
Ahmedabad Rockets coach John Emburey tries to keep the team's spirit up

"Having played at the international level, I will have to take some responsibility so that Damien [Martyn] will not feel all the pressure."
Heath Streak stresses the importance of team work