The equation for the Chennai Super Kings to enter the semi-finals is simple - they need to win one of their last two league matches. Winning against the top-placed Rajasthan Royals won't be an easy proposition, but Chennai can nudge into the semi-finals if they can repeat what fellow contenders Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils have managed earlier in the tournament. Rajasthan have entered the final four but don't expect them to take it easy. Their intentions were made clear by captain and coach Shane Warne, who, after their latest triumph against the Kolkata Knight Riders, said he hoped the "Rajasthan Express keeps rolling."
Chennai's main area of concern going into the match will be the state of their batting. In their previous match they wasted a confident start given by Stephen Fleming and Parthiv Patel, collapsing from 60 for no loss to 112 all out to hand the Bangalore Royal Challengers a rare victory. To avoid another such mishap, they will need their captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to be at his aggressive best with the bat and to display the calm he brings to the job while leading India. Their chances will also depend on the batting of S Badrinath and Suresh Raina as well as the all-round capabilities of Albie Morkel. The weather may also play a part in the contest, with the possibility of showers later in the evening.
Tournament position
Rajasthan Royals: P11, W9, L2, NRR +0.950
Chennai Super Kings: P12, W7, L5, NRR -0.209
Match facts
Saturday, May 24, 2008Start time 16.00 (local), 10.30 (GMT)
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