The first semi-finals of the Karbonn Smart Champions League Twenty20 2013 (CLT20) will be played between the winner of Group A, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and runner-up of Group B, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The match will be played at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Friday.
Where to Watch Live:
The match will begin at 08:00 pm IST on Friday and it will be telecast live in India on Star Sports, Star Cricket and Star Cricket HD channels. To live stream online, follow the official link HERE.
Overview:
Led by former Indian captain Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals are unbeaten in the tournament, topping Group A table after winning all the games played. They have incredible record at their home ground, winning all the eight matches played in the Indian Premier League, followed by four wins in CLT20. They will come into the contest with their eyes set on the final on Sunday.
Chennai Super Kings, led by captain 'cool' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had a good outing this tournament until Trinidad & Tobago spoiled their party in their last league match. Looking at the dept of the team, they are still formidable and remain one of the favourites to win the title. They will be looking forward to win on Friday to find a play in the final.
Previous Meetings:
The Chennai Super Kings have 8-5 win-loss record against Rajasthan Royals in their 13 meetings so far. Both the teams won most of the games played at home.
Team News:
Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane has scored back-to-back half centuries and Brad Hodge put up a quick 52 in the previous match, taking the team home. Sanju Samson is also in good form, and other players like skipper Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson and Stuart Binny will be expected to step up for the team when it matters.
On the bowling front, Vikramjeet Malik, Kevon Cooper, James Faulkner and Rahul Shukla have come up with good spell in one game or the other. They will be expected to put their acts together and take early wickets.
Chennai Super Kings: Their batting collapsed in the previous match against Trinidad and Tobago but otherwise have been impressive this tournament. They will rely heavily on players like Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni who are in form.
Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohit Sharma, Dwayne Bravo and Jason Holder will lead the bowling attack for the team. They will be expected to put up a good show in the crutial match.
Prediction:
Rajasthan Royals are the favourites to win the 1st semi-finals before the home crowd.
Team Squads:
Rajasthan Royals: Rahul Dravid (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Ashok Menaria, Dishant Yagnik, Vikramjeet Malik, Rahul Shukla, Pravin Tambe, Siddharth Trivedi, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper, Shaun Tait
Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (captain), Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Subramaniam Badrinath, Imtiaz Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohit Sharma, Michael Hussey, Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel, Jason Holder, Francois du Plessis, Chris Morris
