IPL CRICKET MATCH 2010 THRILLERS 10

THRILLERS '10

A TOUGH TEST FOR SANGAKKARA

STRENGTH: If all key players regain fitness, kings XI can fancy their chances. They will also look to Shaun Marsh to give the side a flying start. with Ravi Bopara, Kumar Sangakkara, Yuvraj Singh, Mahela Jayawardene to follow, the batting looks solid. The bowling too has variety with left-arm-seamer Yusuf Abdulla sharing the new ball with Brett Lee. Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, James Hopes, Piyush Chawla and Ramesh Powar are in the arsenal too.

WEAKNESS: It would be interesting to see how the team responds in crunch ties. Also, despite having quality batsmen, kings XI seem to rely too much on Yuvraj singh, Their success will depend on how fit Yuvfay is after his wrist injury . Brett Lee's fitness is also a concern.

OPPORTUNITIES: Playing at home before a vociferous crowd is bound to pump up the side. The Punjab players in the team know the conditions at PCA stadium, which are different to other venues, really well. so they will be keen to win most home games.

THREATS: The expectation levels will be sky high and it would be interesting to see how the players cope. Also, a lot will depend on the domestic cricketers and how the new skipper Kumar Sangakkara handles them.