Fireworks expected in top-of-the-table clash

Unvanquished so far in the tournament, table-toppers Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians take on each other in what promises to be a run-feast match tomorrow, examines Atreyo Mukhopadhyay. Listen to podcast

Their early charge in IPL II has been as spectacular as their dismal run last year. Of whatever little has been seen of the teams so far, the Deccan Chargers have given the impression that they are out to make amends, and they've accomplished it in style in the first two games.

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They now run in to a team that was impressive against the Chennai Super Kings in the lung opener a week ago. After sharing points with the Rajasthan Royals in their next match, the Mumbai Indians should be hungry for more on Saturday and a little cautious at the same time.

The Chargers are capable to getting a head start while batting and bowling. Along with the early acceleration Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs are capable of, equally unmistakable has been the impact made by the opening bowlers. While R.P. Singh got the wickets, Fidel Edwards came on fast, full and flat.

The contest between these two and the Mumbai Indians openers promises fireworks. Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya have been making short work of bigger names for years now and how they handle RP and Edwards could play a big role in determining how their innings shapes up because the middle-order is still untested.

That's an area where the Chargers look stronger on paper with Rohit Sharma carrying forth last year's form. The Mumbai Indians too have names that can make their presence felt, but in Rohit, the Chargers have someone who is in a different league.

To test him and the others, the Mumbai Indians have an impressive arsenal with India's best fast bowler and spinner in their ranks. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh have been quiet so far although opponents have struggled to keep them quiet in the recent past. With so many factors weaved in, this match promises what the IPL is all about - entertainment.