Bangalore’s Batting Belter gives Punjab Kings X1 an advantage

 By Gaurav Joshi  

 

After 60 matches there were four teams left, from the four corners of India (East, West, North and South) and now we have two, one from the east (Kolkata) and one from the North (Punjab). The geographical distance between the two finalists is about the same difference between their styles of play as well.

Punjab has been the most dynamic batting team in the IPL while Kolkata have had to rely on their resilient bowling to restrict the opposition. Punjab has taken the long route and leading into the form their form has been slightly intermittent. Kolkata on the other hand have won eight in a row, they have marched into the finals and are high on confidence.

The leaders of the respective teams are such contrasts as well. George Bailey the smiling assassin faces up to Gautam Gambhir the slightly brash and emotional leader of men.

Bailey and the Punjab theory are simple. Continue to attack and be fearless. Gambhir and Kolkata will slightly more conservative and back their tactical brilliance.

The positive news for Punjab is that Sehwag was able to score a ton in the semi-final and they managed to score 230 without the depending on star recruit Glenn Maxwell. Punjab will take a lot from their win against the five time finalist Chennai Super Kings, it will be the first time the men from Chennai have failed to make the final when it has been played in India.

Kolkata on the other hand will have huge confidence after beating Punjab only a few days ago. The men from the east have also had couple of extra days off to refresh and would have had couple of days to recover.

The constant travelling and cricket is likely to have a toll. Kolkata are in the box seat but the bat friendly conditions in Bangalore could well work against them.

As we saw in Mumbai against the other night, one a featherbed wickets the Punjab batting is second to none and with Bangalore expected to be the same, it is a huge task for Kolkata to restrict the Kings X1 hitting.

Kolkata have also played most of their games on pitch that have assisted their slow bowlers and the only time they have looked clueless are on pitches that do very little. With Bangalore 22 yards on the batsmen side, Punjab will definitely start as the favourites. Expect the red to shine brightly on Sunday evening, they have been the best team all year around.

 

 

 

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