Paths as varied as chalk and cheese but Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers will be well aware that the margin of error from here is zero. What carried them to the semi-finals of the IPL means little. A sparkling stadium and match winners packed in equal measure on both fronts promise enthralling cricket here on Thursday.

The big stage is not new for both Adam Gilchrist and M.S. Dhoni. A high octane contest where the aptitude to hold nerves could decide the winner. Chennai has been the most consistent side in the league while the Chargers have been the one who have constantly punched above their weight.

“We don’t have any special players, we don’t look stylish on the field but at the end of the day we are effective,” Andrew Symonds had said after he helped the Bulls reach their second successive semi-final. The defending champions showed great character in winning the title last season and finishing second in the league this year needs to be commended more.

Chennai will be out for revenge. After sharing the spoils in the first four meetings, the Chargers managed to baffle them with a quick-witted game plan to post two convincing wins. A few sub daring sub plots could emerge. Off-spinner R. Ashwin has been stellar with the new ball. Gilchrist and Monish Mishra have a crucial role here. Keeping wickets intact has proved a useful weapon. If the Chargers can have three of their main batsman batting into the second half of the innings it will be difficult for the Chennai attack to stop them.

The D.Y. Patil Stadium has played host only to two matches and the wicket wears a fresher look. The ball should come on better than some of the other tracks and batsmen could thrive hitting through the line. As the men in form Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina will hold the key. Both sides are blessed with enough fire power to revolve around them. The shortened boundaries will make the job difficult for the bowlers and it’s crucial for the bowlers to slips to rhythm quickly.

To find the right combination for a knockout tie is always a headache. The form of Matthew Hayden has been a huge problem area for Chennai. Mike Hussey and M. Vijay at the top is a risk worth taking. With Doug Bollinger and Albie Morkel being definite choices, the final overseas slot could be a tussle between Muttiah Muralitharan and Justin Kemp. A lot would depend on Dhoni reading the conditions.

On the other hand Chargers are spoilt for choice. The skipper and Andrew Symonds are automatic while Chaminda Vaas, having done extremely well in the last game will be difficult to dislodge. Ryan Harris could be favoured on a firmer track. Youngster Mitchell Marsh has done his cause no harm but lacks the big match experience that brings Dwayne Smith into contention.

A place in the final and a guaranteed slot in the Champions League at stake, players will not be short on adrenaline. A exhilarating contest that gives allows no room for predictions.