It will be a battle between two heavyweights of IPL 12 when Mumbai Indians lock horns against the Delhi Capitals in the 34th match of the tournament. It will be a recap of the first match of each team in the tournament. In the earlier battle, it was Delhi Capitals who returned winners courtesy a sensational knock of 78 of just 27 deliveries from Rishabh Pant. However, Mumbai Indians is a confident unit now after winning 5 matches from 8.
Delhi Capitals has looked good in the tournament so far and the change of name might have brought in a change of fortunes for them as well. Both teams are well placed in the points table with 5 wins from 8 matches. Mumbai Indians are a bit superior team on paper but Delhi Capitals have a young and energetic team who can beat any oppositions on their day. Guys like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer can change the complexion of the match on their own.
The bowling department of Delhi is spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada who has been the find of the tournament. He is currently the Purple cap holder and has been the biggest threat for opposition batters. He has been superb in most of the matches and his record in this year’s league is something he will be really proud of.
Despite the 5 victories, Delhi Capitals should be worried of the fact that they haven’t reached the playoffs on many occasions in the previous year. Hence when the tournament reaches its business end, Delhi Capitals must concentrate on winning as many games and finish in the top 2. The omission of Rishabh Pant from the World Cup squad will surely hurt him. However, he should look to take it on his stride and move forward.
Mumbai Indians on the other hand just need to back their instincts as they are proven team with several match winners. Unlike other years, MI has gone off to a pretty solid start this year with 5 victories from 8 games. However they should be careful of not losing too many matches at the back end. Mumbai Indians have some world class players and one of the biggest names is none other than Hardik Paandya.
The all-rounder smashed 22 runs off the penultimate over of Pawan Negi against Royal Challengers Bangalore to hand India a famous victory. It was the same bowler against whom Hardik struck 3 sixes to come into the limelight 3 years ago. Apart from Hardik, players like Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya are also an integral part of the squad.
Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma has looked good in the tournament so far but have failed to convert their good starts into big knocks. Tomorrow might well turn out to be a grand day for both the batters. The bowling line-up has been bolstered by the return of Lasith Malinga. The pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Jason Behrendorff has done wonders for the three-time champions. Hence we should expect a crackerjack of a contest later tonight.
Predicted XI’s
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jason Behrendorff, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah
Delhi Capitals
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Colin Munro, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris, Rahul Tewatia, Keemo Paul, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma.
Head to head:
Matches played: 23, Mumbai Indians- 11, Delhi Capitals- 12
Delhi Capitals have their noses slightly in front when it comes to matches against the Mumbai Indians. Despite not qualifying for a single IPL final, Delhi Capitals have beaten Mumbai 12 times in the 23 encounters. Even in the first leg of the tournament, it was Delhi Capitals who returned victoriously.
Pitch Report:
The surface at Feroz Shah Kotla has predominantly been on the slower side. Even in this tournament, the slowness of the surface has meant that Delhi Capitals despite winning 5 matches haven’t managed to make Feroz Shah Kotla their fortress. DC has been on a winning spree.
However, when they last played in New Delhi, the hosts suffered a loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Head coach Ricky Ponting feels that DC is now used to the slowness of the Kotal surface and will look to use it as an advantage for the opposition teams. There was a bit of rain yesterday but no rain is expected later today. Hence we should expect a full 40 overs clash.
Weather Conditions:
It should be a soothing day for a game of cricket. The temperatures are expected to fluctuate from 24 to 27 degrees during the match hours. As suggested in the pitch report, there was a bit of rain yesterday but no rain is expected for the match day.
Match Prediction
I will definitely go with the Mumbai Indians to win their 6th game. Both teams have some exceptional players in their ranks who can change the complexion of the game with their exceptional hitting. Both franchises have a balanced side and hence a breathtaking contest is on our hands. My prediction hat says Mumbai Indians will win the match later today.