Semifinal losses have put paid to their title hopes but Deccan Chargers and Royal Challengers Bangalore would be eyeing a slot in the Twenty20 Champions League when they take on each other in the third-fourth place play-off of the Indian Premier League on Saturday.
Semifinal losses have put paid to their title hopes but Deccan Chargers and Royal Challengers Bangalore would be eyeing a slot in the Twenty20 Champions League when they take on each other in the third-fourth place play-off of the Indian Premier League on Saturday.
The team that finishes third would earn the right to join this year's finalists Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the September Champions League.
After the 38-run loss to the Super Kings, Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist was confident his teammates would be up to the task of getting off the floor for one final flourish.
"We would pick ourselves up tomorrow for Saturday's match. We want to play in the Champions League again. We enjoyed playing in it last year," the retired Australian wicketkeeper said yesterday in his post-match comments.
RCB skipper Anil Kumble said his team had two days at its disposal after losing by 35 runs to the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.
"We have a couple of days to prepare for that match which would be a consolation victory. The main prize was the IPL final," Kumble said.
Toss is again expected to play a crucial role as the team that bats first will hold a big advantage with the wickets in the country having slowed down in the summer heat.
"Obviously I'm disappointed for not having a shot at the final. But it's becoming difficult to chase on these wickets which have become a bit tired and also slowed down though not many matches have been played here," said Gilchrist.
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