DURBAN, April 24: Tournament leaders Deccan Chargers face their toughest test, against the Mumbai Indians, at the Kingsmead here on Saturday. The excitement among the locals has reached new heights courtesy the top billing of the two sides and the entertainers who make up the composition. Both sides prepared with a rigorous three hour training session on Friday.

Skipper Adam Gilchrist is aware of the challenge ahead. "Mumbai Indians are probably the best side in the tournament and to me the favourites. They have a good balance and it will be a great contest. We might have won two games but to us it is only two and every game is a new peak to conqueror," said a quietly confident Gilchrist.

Chargers have virtually run away with their opening two games based on their strong performance in the first six overs. They have been unstoppable with both with bat ball during the power play.

"That has been our strength but there are other areas where we have done well. The players have responded well to every situation. The big part actually starts now. The kind of support we have been getting here has been truly amazing. I heard the city of Hyderabad is celebrating too. The going has been good so far and I hope it continues," added Gilchrist.

Conditions here are different from Cape Town. The Chargers have used the last two days to get acclimatised to the conditions, which are a lot warmer. A dry surface and faster outfield means more runs. It could be one venue where the bat could thoroughly dominate the ball as the clash between Chennai and Delhi proved.

With Malinga and Zaheer Khan opening the bowling for Mumbai, the Chargers will have their task cut out. "Every opponent is different and one requires a new game plan to counter them. We are looking at this game differently than what we did to our earlier ones. The test lies in trying to adapt to the strength of your opponent. The preparation has gone on very well. We are doing what can be done best from our end," explained Gilchrist.

The contest between Sachin Tendulkar and Fidel Edwards should form an engaging battle within the contest. It will be crucial for Chargers to see the back of Sachin and Sanath Jayasuriya early. They also have a lesson to learn from the length Chennai bowled to Abhishek Nayar. The southpaw is the danger man in the death overs.

Chargers have played the same combination in the first two games but Gilchrist did not rule out a change. "The combination has worked well without doubt. The team for this game can be decided only after a final look at the conditions. It is different from what we have experienced so far. Some of the talent that is warming the bench is very special and we are always on the lookout for a change that would help the team win," said Gilchrist.