The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing and we have already witnessed some exciting matches in the tournament so far. Meanwhile, the most successful franchise in the tournament Mumbai Indians have begun their campaign in a relatively sedate fashion, so as, Delhi Daredevils.
However, from the very first game, we have also cherished some enthralling contests in the past eight matches.
For them, it has been a case of so near yet so far. In the first match against the Chennai Super Kings, they messed up an encounter which they should have won easily.
In the end, it was a sensational innings from the blade of Dwayne Bravo which handed CSK a memorable victory. Following his dismissal, an injured Kedar Jadhav struck a much-needed six to seal the match for Chennai.
Young-leg spinner Mayank Markande emerged as the most successful bowler for Mumbai. During his four-over spell, the leggie bagged three crucial wickets including the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
However, it wasn’t as Bravo unleashed some extraordinary shots – to help Chennai chase the total down the target from a hopeless situation.
In the second encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai stretched the game to the final ball which Kane Williamson-led side could have won much earlier.
After a disappointing batting performance, the bowlers kept them in the game for a long time. However, some splendid hitting ensured that the target was within sight. It was a sensational penultimate over by Mustafizur Rahman when he bagged a couple of wickets and conceded just a solitary run which swung the match in Mumbai’s favour.
However, a last-ball four from Billy Stanlake did the job for Hyderabad.
Delhi, on the other hand, has played some poor cricket. In the first game, they were blown away by Kings XI Punjab. It was a 14-ball half-century from KL Rahul which was the main reason behind Punjab chasing the total of 167 down with utmost ease.
Barring skipper Gautam Gambhir, none of the batsmen could get going which never allowed Delhi to push for a big total despite maintaining a healthy run-rate all through the innings.
In the second encounter against the Rajasthan Royals, they lost an encounter which they should have won. Especially, the officials reduced the match to six overs owing to the rain stoppage.
72 were required off 36 deliveries when Glenn Maxwell and Colin Munro walked out in the middle.
With 10 wickets in hand, Delhi was the favourites to win the game especially given their firepower. It was some tight bowling by the Rajasthan bowlers which eventually handed them the first victory of the tournament by 10 runs.
Team Combinations –
Mumbai Indians:
Hardik Pandya who missed the previous has been recovering well. He is likely to take part in Saturday’s afternoon encounter.
Predicted XI: Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman
Delhi Daredevils:
There is a possibility that Delhi might play an extra-pacer. If that is the case, the left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem will make way in all likelihood.
Predicted XI: Gautam Gambhir, Colin Munro, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Glenn Maxwell, Vijay Shankar, Chris Morris, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Trent Boult
Match Prediction:
Both teams are yet to open their account in the tournament. Keeping the combinations and line-ups in mind,
Mumbai Indians are undoubtedly the favourites to run away with the encounter.
However, the tournament has already seen some high-drama and it remains to be seen how the match unfolds.
Meanwhile, Delhi will also be looking to get their campaign back on track.
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