Llorne Howell - Sports blogger Former cricket international for the Black Caps, Llorne Howell, gives his views on New Zealand's number one summer sport, both for the Bay and the national team.

Stephen Fleming's and Steve Rixon's CSK side made short work of Deccan here last night.
Watching the match I could not help notice that the wicket got slower and slower as the match wore on. It ended up like a clay tennis court with the ball hardly arriving.
Big clean hitters like Deccan's Andrew Symonds really struggled to connect with the ball because his swing was quicker than the ball arriving.
It was a battle of huge match ups but unfortunately the wicket dictated outcomes.
CSK had a good attack. Bollinger to Gilchrist was full on. Morkel to Gibbs and Murali bowling to Symonds very interesting.

In the first innings CSK were 117-7 with 10 balls left and probably won the match in this period. They got through to 140 odd with some great hitting.
Deccan then had their turn to chase and Bollinger looked very good as he attacked the batters. The Deccan run rate never climbed above six and this set up the match for the CSK spinners.
The two spinners for CSK really tightened the screws and forced Deccan's big hitters to take chances which on the wicket was always fraught with difficulty.
These matches were only transferred last week due to the bombs going off in Bangalore where the matches were supposed to be played. Hence it really appeared the tracks for the two games were under prepared and became worse with time.

So to an interesting supposition. If Stephen Fleming and Steve Rixon win the IPL in their first attempt together what will this mean for their combined coaching future?
They had much success together as coach and captain of NZ so obviously had a strong bond and great understanding.
One pertinent memory I have of Steve Rixon's coaching was this. I remember failing twice in a row for the Black Caps and seeing Steve wander up to me after the match.
I was thinking what he will say "dropped? Bollocking? technique faults? Two hours in the nets going over front shoulder positions?"
He simply said "Howeller", "you are better than that mate" and walked away. I stood there quite surprised (due to the normal inquisition we often get from coaches after failure) and then walked away feeling pretty good about myself. Next two games and a couple of 50s. Steve was really good at making us kiwis believe in our ability.

Anyway, will this combination line themselves up for a crack at the Black Caps in future? Would Stephen Fleming be prepared to travel for ten months of the year away from his family? Would two strong minds in Dan Vettori and this combination work?

The IPL is perfect for older guys who love the game. Six weeks of highly paid work and back to the family as compared to the grind of an international team.
So to the final on Sunday.

Mumbai versus CSK. CSK are actually a very talented team. Hayden and Dhoni can tear anyone apart. Bollinger and Morkel have been very good. Murali is highly dangerous. Under Steve Rixon CSK field very well. They stopped several boundary shots last night through intensity in the ring.
I think CSK may have the easier run in the final. They will be under less pressure than the Mumbai lads who will have incredible support and pressure with the match in Navi Mumbai. Any chinks CSK can expose will heap pressure on the Mumbai Indians who will be expected to be victorious in their home town and after leading the series the whole way through.