Lesser known teams have an equal chance

So, it’s finally proved. You don’t need a heavy star-cast to win; what you need is attitude and of course some amount of luck.

This was proved by the Rajasthan Royals triumphing over a much stronger {or so called} Kings XI Punjab.

They almost outplayed the Kings in all departments be it bat, bowl or field. Led by an inspirational captain Shane Warne they really got under the skin of the Kings. Warne himself lead from the front by picking up 3-19 in his stipulated 4 overs. He could have had a couple more had Lehmann latched on to an opportunity provided by Yuvraj when he was on 15. Yuvraj went on to make 55 which actually allowed Kings to reach a respectable total of 166. Warne also made an inspirational bowling change in D Salunkhe who got the wicket of Jayawardene stumped. Warne also got Sangakkara out who was looking quite dangerous after hammering 19 runs from just 6 balls. I think it was the turning point of the match.

The Kings would have certainly got themselves into more trouble had the Royals took the opportunities which came along. Lehmann and Kaif dropped two chances from the bat of Yuvraj who was ultimately the highest scorer from the Kings.

Kamran Akmal provided some balance to the side by his batting and glove work. Shane Watson played a really mature innings. He looked to rotate the strike capitalizing on deliveries which were either too full or too short. It ultimately paid rich dividends. Watson was the man who played a major role in Australia winning their first ever Champion’s Trophy in India a couple of years back. People might have forgotten this kid but he’s the one to watch out for.

With the arrivals of Graeme Smith, Morne Morkel and T20 specialist Demitri Mascarenhas I am sure Rajasthan Royals have much more to offer than people think of.

Kings XI Punjab have to get a few combinations right. James Hopes bowling looks really vulnerable and batsmen have taken full advantage of it. The batting looks weak too. Sangakkara has looked good in patches but has never made a final impact on the game. Yuvraj has batted well in both games. The bowling doesn’t look pretty either. Apart from Brett Lee no KingsXI bowler has made an impact on the games. Piyush Chawla certainly looks out of sorts in this form of the game. Kings XI need to have a better strategy and as of now they are getting predictable.

Finally, all those who have already made their semi-final line ups comprising of the Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers and Delhi Daredevils will have to wait a little more longer. The Royal Challengers and the Rajasthan Royals have certainly given them a few headaches to have their line ups thought again!