IPL 5 Preview: Pune Warriors Vs Deccan Chargers Match 35

After successive losses to Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors will want to get back to winning ways against Deccan Chargers whom they host on Thursday, April 26, 2012.

DC finally got their first point of the campaign after their match against KKR was washed out and will want to add to that as they strive to get off the bottom of the points table.

The absence of Dinda from their bowling ranks has been a blow for PW and Nehra’s profligacy hasn’t helped matters. Alonso Thomas can be expected to lead the attack; on a wicket that aids spin, Kartik and Sharma could prove key to the hosts’ chances. Ryder, Uthappa and Smith have been among the runs, and Pandey’s return to form with 80, in the last game, bodes well. But Ganguly has not had many runs barring one innings; likewise, Samuels has also not set the stands on fire and could lose his place to Mathews.

For DC, Sangakkara is due for a big innings and if he clicks, he could herald a change in his side’s fortunes. Dhawan and Patel have also been scoring consistently well, and with Duminy in the middle order, DC have the batting firewpower, at least on paper. In their bowling, Steyn has been the lone outstanding performer, and Amit Mishra’s lack of form has hurt DC, this season, and a spin-friendly track at Pune could change things. The continued failure of Christian and White could pave the way for Rusty Theron to feature in the eleven.

While PW are clear favourites, playing before their home supporters, DC have the wherewithal to cause an upset.

PW’s probable eleven: Ryder, Pandey, Uthappa, Ganguly, Smith, Mathews, Manhas, Thomas, Kartik, Sharma, Nehra.

DC’s probable eleven: Sangakkara, Dhawan, Patel, Duminy, Theron, Chipli, Teja, Sharma, Mishra, Steyn, VP Singh.

Tags: Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, IPL, KKR, Nehra, Preview, Pune Warriors

Category: Cricket, IPL News