Dilshan puts an end to Deccan juggernaut

It was a fine game of cricket. There were too many things happening, too many twists, too many turns. Chargers started off poorly and looked down and out but they got back on track after the Strategy Break. However, just when it looked that they might get more than what they got, they lost a few wickets and were restrcited. When Delhi started the run chase, they lost their way and looked off track. But Dilshan and Karthik stitched a good partnership together and finished the match with a lot of comfort.

Dirk Nannes: Actually was a bit worried with the spot in the side as I have just taken one wicket before today. I was constantly looking over my shoulder. I dont really try to swing it in the 20-20 games. Probably my pace is surprising a lot of people late in the innings. Today I was pretty happy with Gilly's dismissal.

Sehwag: Pretty happy with the performance. Restricting them to under 150 is a great achievement on this wicket. Dirk Nannes is the fastest I have ever faced. Especially since he is left arm he is very hard to face. The hand is fine just the 5 stitches. The boundaries are short on one side and I am playing with 2 spinners, that is why I choose to field first. We are just telling our boys to go and play the 20 overs and if one of the batsmen stays there till the end he will finish it off.

Gilchrist: A bit frustrating today we did not post enough, we were always scrambling to defend. Most of the teams have got dynamic opening combinations. Probably 20 runs short atleast. The wicket played well all day, it played quite a few tricks later on. I have played in a couple of World cups for Australia where we went through undefeated. It does not have to happen. It has happened today and that is reality. We have got to take stock of that.
Dirk Nannes is the Man of the Match

Match Preview: Chennai Superkings vs Rajasthan Royals

Ground Reality:
Home to the Titans cricket team, The SuperSport Park, Centurion is known for having the best 'Player facilities' around the world. The ground also witnessed the test debut of Shaun Pollock in November 1995 against England. The pitch is known to assist the seamers during the initial part of the game.
Temperatures: Min - 55F Max - 79F | Humidity: 65% | Chances of Rain: Low

Team Updates:
Chennai Superkings: Although their batting has been good through out the IPL, the bowlers have not come to the party, especially during the middle overs. A frustrated MS Dhoni had mentioned that the bowlers had let the team down during the tournament. They haven't had the best of luck too, with nearly every loss being a close or fairly close one and also their game against the weakest side, the Kolkata Knight Riders, being washed out. Having won only one game so far, The Chennai team would have to bounce back with more victories if they are hoping to qualify among the top four.

Rajasthan Royals: The Rajasthan team are on a comeback trail after a bad start, all thanks to the efforts of Yusuf Pathan. With two wins and two losses so far, the team is placed fifth on the points table. Their bowling has been ranging from good to brilliant throughout, but it's their batting - particularly the top-order, that needs to be worked on. If Yusuf Pathan has a bad game, there is no go-to person for Warne to fall back on. Rajasthan would like to continue their winning streak when they take on the Chennai team.
Contests to watch:

Hayden vs. Warne: These former Australian cricketers have seen each other in close quarters. They know each other's game, their strengths and their weaknesses. An interesting contest would be in place when Hayden's blade comes face to face with the guiles of Warne.

Pathan vs. Muralitharan: One is the highest wicket taker in tests and ODIs. The other is a demolition man who has no mercy for the bowlers. The face-off between a 'Hard-hitting' Yusuf pathan and the 'Spin Maestro' Muralitharan would be a treat for the cricket fans.

Numbers Game:
0: The number of matches won by Chennai against Rajasthan.
8: The number of sixers by Yusuf Pathan during the IPL 2009.
4.90: Muralitharan's economy rate in this edition of the IPL.

Sound Bytes:
This match has turned every match before us into do-or-die affairs: MS Dhoni referring to the loss against Deccan Chargers.
It is important to have a good leader and Shane Warne is always in the thick of things: Graeme Smith referring to Warne's leadership.