Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming predicts another cliff-hanger between his team and title holders Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League Eliminator at the Brabourne Stadium here tomorrow.
"Mumbai were excellent against us last year. We had some revenge this year with two wins (In UAE and Wankhede Stadium in the round robin stage). But it's not going to be easy. It's a home game for Mumbai. We have to play extremely well. We had a great tussle with them at Wankhede and this is not going to be any different tomorrow," said Fleming at the pre-game press conference today.
"We are in good form and are happy with the way we came into the semi finals (play offs). It shows good consistency. Obviously you do have a lot to lose in semi finals. We are also well aware that we need three wins in a row to be champions. It's a worthy challenge."
Fleming said the Super Kings' handsome win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last game was important as it broke their three-game losing streak.
"It was good and important against the run of defeats. We had not played that well in those games. The worst defeat was against KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) at the Eden Gardens. The one at Bangalore was just what we had asked for. We know pretty well what the players are going to deliver for us and the opportunity they are going to get."
While praising New Zealand compatriot Corey Anderson for his blistering 95 not out in MI's heart-stopping five-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals to clinch the last playoff spot on marginally better run rate last Sunday at Wankhede, Fleming hoped it would not be repeated against his side.
"Brendon McCullum (current New Zealand skipper and CSK opener) was happy to see him (play that innings) in the last game and hopefully not the next game. He was happy with the Corey show. By Corey's own admission he was disappointed with his performances to date. Certainly, he was excellent the other night. What a great game.
