IPL 2019: Matthew Hayden picks his favourites to win the final of the tournament

After 59 matches, two of the most deserving teams, Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face-off in yet another final in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both the sides have won the title thrice each and whoever wins this season, will be known as the most successful team in the history of the tournament. While the Rohit Sharma-led side has a lid over the Men in Yellow this season having defeated them three times in as many matches but the final will be an altogether different ball game.

There has been a unique rivalry between the two teams over the years and MI is the only team to have beaten CSK so many teams. Rather, they have dominated MS Dhoni and his troops and it has increased a notch this season. Having said that, CSK will be keen to give it back and avenge for all the defeat with a win in the final. The former CSK player Matthew Hayden has also picked them as the favourites to win the tournament and believes the Dad’s army is good enough to win the record fourth title this year.

Both sides have vulnerabilities

While speaking to Sportstar, Hayden cleared that the numbers don’t play any role in the final and it is all about the nerves. He also felt that none of the two teams has played their best cricket this year and it will all be about who turns in a better frame of mind on the day.

“CSK (will win). Numbers don’t really matter in a final. Neither (team) has played their best cricket this time. In the last couple of games some of Mumbai Indian players like Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma have started to come into form. So, both sides have got their vulnerabilities,” he said.

Matthew Hayden also pointed out that CSK missed MS Dhoni in one of the clashes against MI and then the team had a bad day in the first qualifier. He was delighted that the side filled with veteran players got their balance perfect in the knockout game against the Delhi Capitals. After the win, the momentum is definitely with CSK and it remains to be seen who wins the battle.

“The last three contests have been one-sided towards Mumbai Indians. CSK are a different side to what they have played in the three games (against MI) for different reasons. MS Dhoni was missing which was enormous for CSK and they had a bad night in the first qualifier. That can happen in any tournament. But in the second qualifier, CSK got the balance spot on, especially at the top of the order,” the 47-year-old further added.

[interaction id=”5cd7c8f2d21f54448c3476b8″]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.