IPL Cricket 2012 (Final) Live -- Match Preview: Kolkata (KKR) vs Chennai (CSK)

CHENNAI, India (Sat, May 26) – Murali Vijay was the star of the night when defending IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) crushed out Delhi Daredevils (DD), number one on the points table in IPL 2012, in the second qualifier to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2012) Final for the third time in a row.

Vijay became the only Indian batsman to score two IPL centuries when he hammered 113 runs against Delhi.

He had also a century in his credit in the third edition of IPL in 2010.

After guiding his team to a crushing 86-run victory over Delhi with his splendid toon, Vijay said they are geared up to defend their IPL title against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday (May 27).

Delhi bowlers looked off-colored in front of Chennai batsmen as they went ballistic; Vijay hit 113 runs in 58 balls hitting 15 fours and 4 sixes. Dhoni and Bravo provided late showers hitting 23 (10) and 33 (12) respectively. CSK piled up massive total of 222/5 in 20 overs.

Delhi never recovered after losing top three wickets in quick succession and provided an easy victory in an important match.

On super Sunday Tomorrow (May 27) all roads will lead to the M.A. Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. For the very first time in IPL history; Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had qualified for the IPL final after beating Delhi in first qualifier. From a comparatively poor start to winning seven consecutive games to a late-end hiccup, it has been quite a campaign for the Gautam Gambhir-led franchise owned by Bollywood star Sharukh Khan who himself has been in spotlight for one and another reason during this IPL season.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will definitely rely upon their lethal spin attack led by the second top wicket-taker in this season, Sunil Narine, is tailor-made for this track. The skipper Gautam Gambhir will also have to play his role with the bat and will certainly need a support from veteran Jacques Kallis in both batting and bowling field. Shakib Al Hassan will also be a key if KKR wants to be champion in this season.

On the other hand, the two-time reigning champions the Chennai Super Kings always reserve their best when it really matters the most. They buried their jaded display in the league stages and fired in unity in the knock-out stage. Chennai was a team that seemed to be crashing out of the tournament at every stage, but they hung on fighting. This has been the hallmark of CSK right from the inception of the league.

They have probably one of the best combinations in terms of bowling as well as batting with Murali Vijay, Mike Hussey, Suresh Raina, skipper MS Dhoni, Ben Hilfenhaus and Albie Morkel on their disposal.

Above all they have shown their class and commitment in the final stages that promises to mark the historical third consecutive victory as IPL Champs; but Kolkata will not retreat after getting into final after a long battle all the way from IPL's first season.

All in all .... the cricket fans definitely have an exciting and thrilling final in their hands on tomorrow (Sunday, May 27). For live scores updates:

http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2012/engine/current/match/548381.html