JOHANNESBURG, May 22: Chennai Super Kings were seen as rightful owners of a semi-final spot right from the start, while that cannot be said of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The teams took contrasting routes to their semifinal of IPL-2 here on Saturday, but in the final analysis there is nothing much to choose from in terms of success between the two.

Both Chennai and Bangalore finished the league stage with eight wins and the former only took second place courtesy the point they earned from the washed out game against the Knight Riders.

Bangalore will not spend too much time in deciding their team composition. The combination that defeated Deccan Chargers should do just fine as barring Robin Uthappa, every other member has chipped in over the last three games. But Uthappa with his experience should continue to hold on to his spot for the crunch encounter.

The knock from Manish Pandey on Friday has provided a solution to Bangalore’s long-standing opening problem. They have struggled to find a regular partner for Jacques Kallis and the century will help Pandey approach the knockout game with greater confidence.

"I saw Manish first when India Under-19s came here and there was something special about the way he played and he proved me right," said coach Ray Jennings who added the team could spring one more surprise for the semi-final.

From one win in five games Bangalore literally came back from the dead. Full credit to Anil Kumble for transforming the unit into a bunch of believers. His clear thinking and extraordinary commitment on the field have set a fine example.

The combination that played on Friday looks the best bet for Bangalore and the only area of concern for Kumble could be the fitness of Kallis.

"Kallis was in some trouble so he could not continue to bowl but we are hopeful of his recovery as the injury is not very serious," said Jennings.

Chennai have bullied their opponents on the strength of their batting. The wicket at the Wanderers is not at its best but there is still enough pace for the batsmen to play their strokes. The good news for Chennai is the fitness of Hayden.

The left-hander who missed the last two games has made been declared fit and will be raring to go. The problem of plenty has risen with the return of Mike Hussey. The Australian who joined the team on Thursday could be in the reckoning for a place in the XI but that would keep out George Bailey who has shown some promise.

Chennai’s weakness has been their bowling. There is an over-dependence on Muttiah Muralitharan to curb the run flow in the middle overs.

The form of Laxmipathy Balaji has been a concern. The team have done better when he has been among the wickets.

Ground fielding and catching has shown some improvement but skipper M.S. Dhoni will be hoping for a better effort.

Chennai, courtesy Hayden have enjoyed great starts. The middle order has also done well in consolidating on the efforts of Hayden. Bangalore will know well that wickets are important against an explosive batting line up. Dhoni, Suresh Raina and S. Badrinath have dug in well.

There is little to choose between one team who have improved rapidly, while the other have not let the pressure of expectation affect them.

Chennai went through a full practice session in the morning while Bangalore had an optional session in the evening.