CSK aim to keep alive playoff hopes

The four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals last night came as a massive boost for the two-time defending champions, who are placed fourth in the table with 13 points with six wins and an equal number of losses from their 13 matches so far.

Even a win would not be enough for Chennai to make the next grade as five teams - Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab - have four more matches to go.

The Daredevils and Knight Riders enjoy the top two positions with 18 and 17 points, respectively from 12 matches each and these two would have lesser problems in making the semifinal.

Delhi had emerged victorious the last time CSK clashed with them but given that tomorrow`s match is a home game for Chennai, the result could be different. Delhi are ruling the roost thanks to consistence performances by captain Virender Sehwag with Australian import David Warner adding to their firepower.

Even though Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardane and New Zealand`s Ross Taylor have not been among the runs. Home conditions and fans support will go in favour of Chennai, who boast of a better batting line up on paper and their bowlers have provided the required oxygen for winning matches.

Chennai seem to be better chasers and have played to their potential after bowlers succeeded in restricting the rival batsmen. But if Sehwag, Jayawardane, Taylor and Warner fire in unison and post a solid total, Delhi`s bowlers Irfan Pathan, Nadeem Ahmed and Morne Morkel would hold the edge.