The IPL Twenty20 cricket tournament is winding to a close with an exciting final on the cards between the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals tomorrow.
Both teams won their semi-final games in contrasting but emphatic style. While the Royals batted the Delhi Daredevils out of the competition through outstanding strokeplay, the Super Kings knocked out the highly rated Kings XI Punjab through accurate seam bowling.
Their ride to the final has also been in contrasting style. Chennai - a pre-tournament favorite and lead by the league's highest paid player - started with a bang, struggled in the middle and managed to pull off some crucial wins in the end. Rajasthan - the cheapest team in the league and the pre-tournament underdog - started badly, but cruised through the tournament otherwise.
Despite their differences, both teams are lead by immensely talented, inspiring leaders in Dhoni and Warne. I do not know if the two best teams in the league are facing off tomorrow, but certainly they are lead by the two best captains.
So, who are the favorites to win tomorrow? Unpredictability has been the hallmark of Twenty20 cricket, with luck and nerves playing important roles as well as pure cricketing skills. Tomorrow's Champion could very well be the team that handles pressure better. Analysis aside, I am just hoping for a fitting finale and a thrilling contest!
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