After losing five matches on the trot, Delhi Daredevils pulled off a spectacular six-wicket win over formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad while chasing down the target of 186 in 19.1 overs.
Both teams, Delhi and Gujarat, have been criticised for their approach as they looked dismal in the ongoing lucrative Twenty20 tournament.
Gujarat Lions started are placed seventh on the table with just three wins under their belt out of 10 matches. Lions have registered six points and have lost last two matches with their run-rate in minus.
Mathematically, the visitors are out of the playoffs race until and unless any miracle takes place.
Overview:
Delhi Daredevils: While not having the good campaign so far during this ongoing season, Daredevils are eyeing to keep their hopes alive for playoffs stage while giving their best on the field.
Daredevils were at the bottom of the Indian Premier League points table when they lost Zaheer Khan, who missed out a game against Kings XI Punjab before Sunrisers Hyderabad game at Feroz Shah Kotla.
The inconsistent Daredevils would be relying on the momentum they had gained, who is highly unlikely to participate in the remainder of the IPL matches for the Delh-based outfit.
In his absence, Karun Nair will be leading as a stand-in skipper until the 38-year-old will be hundred percent to take the field.
Gujarat Lions: The batting-heavy side Gujarat Lions did not impress in this season after finishing third in the ninth edition of Indian Premier League in group stage matches.
Struggling in this season, a couple of performances didn’t help them to cross the line as the teams are putting everything at the top to maintain their positions.
While Gujarat Lions have a decent batting line-up but the inexperience in bowling department has hurt the team dearly.
Tracking The Strength:
Delhi Daredevils: After Daredevils registered a resounding performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad’s reliable bowling attack, they have shown they are capable of doing well while having the mixing of seniors and youth at the helm in the line-up.
Sanju Samson, who has been among runs, would eye to continue the way he has been for the side as middle-order would be looking to consolidate the innings either to set the decent total or in a bid to chase down the total.
Though it has been not clear when Zaheer Khan would be available, the hosts still have the depth in bowling with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Shami and Chris Morris which is being supported by Amit Mishra and then they’ve Jayant Yadav and Corey Anderson.
Gujarat Lions: The side has some strong hitters at the top which includes Brendon McCullum, who could change the complexion of the game.
However, Aaron Finch is capable of anchoring the innings followed by Ishan Kishan, who has shown how he could bat while launching some balls into the stands.
Suresh Raina, who has guided team home in the recent past, would play a crucial role for his team followed by Dwayne Smith and Dinesh Karthik.
Having the likes of James Faulkner, Ravindra Jadeja and Basil Thampi haven’t left that much of an impact, but are well equipped to ruin the party of any strong unit.
With Irfan Pathan coming into the side, who would like to live up to his expectations as he has enough experience on the back which he had shown against Mumbai Indians by defending 11-runs in the last over as the match ended in a tie, the team will get much-needed experience.
Match Prediction:
With Daredevils moving above the Gujarat Lions on points table as they are a facing-off first time in this season with one win each on their back in the last season as the hosts have little margin for error. Both sides have played two matches so far.
There would be plenty on an offer for both the teams. We are expecting the score of 175 on this dry surface and the team batting secondly is likely to emerge as winners.
As Delhi is playing back-to-back games, highly likely Gujarat is expected to emerge as victorious in this match and it’s further expected to be a close encounter between the teams languishing in the bottom half of the points table.