The Daredevils have blown hot and cold this season. While they have put up some incredible performances, they have also disappointed on a few occasions. The Mumbai Indians have been on a roll winning 5 out of 6 matches and they are sitting comfortably on the top of the table. They would like to keep it simple and keep the momentum going. Here are the Match Preview and Predictions as the Daredevils face the rampaging Paltan.
PITCH
The pitch on the Wankhede is like a concrete road. Plenty of runs would be scored and bowlers will have to really apply themselves to be efficient. As it is a night game, dew will be a determining factor and the team batting first is bound to have a lot of problems later on in the night with the bowlers not able to grip the ball at all. This was something which was seen in the match between KKR and MI here.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – STRENGTHS
The Daredevils have shown glimpses of brilliance. Their opening pair of Sam Billings and Sanju Samson have been threatening and they are expected to come good tonight. Rishabh Pant, with his big hitting, is a huge asset for the Daredevils. Bringing in Corey Anderson may be a good idea if he is fit. Chris Morris has also been sensational with both bat and ball. Zaheer Khan has been effective barring the last match. Amit Mishra and Shahbaz Nadeem may form a dangerous spinning combination if DD are bowling first.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – CONCERNS
Shreyas Iyer, in spite of scoring a 50 in the last match, has been patchy and inconsistent. The same is true for Karun Nair as well. Angelo Matthews, if playing, needs to quicken his scoring rate as he is sometimes too slow. Patrick Cummins has been a tad expensive over the last few games and Kagiso Rabada might just get a look in finally. Deciding upon the correct spinning combination would be vital for the team. DD like to bat first but if they choose to bat first here, it may backfire big time as the dew would be a major factor. Hence, they may be forced to chase and that is not their forte.
MUMBAI INDIANS – STRENGTHS
The way Jos Buttler and Parthiv Patel took off in the previous game would be an immense cause of worry for the Daredevils. Nitish Rana at No. 3 was also spectacular and is in the race for the Orange Cap. Kierron Pollard, Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya have all looked to be in superb form uptil now. Harbhajan Singh has been miserly and has constantly chipped in with the wickets. Jasprit Bumrah looked to be back in form bowling beautiful deliveries in the death overs. Mitch McClenaghan has been decent with the ball. He has been expensive but has been taking wickets too.
MUMBAI INDIANS – CONCERNS
Rohit Sharma has still not shown good form barring a 40 a few days back. He needs to really get into the groove now for MI to continue their dominance. The bowling has looked a tad weak and may struggle if MI bat first with the dew taking effect in the 2nd innings. Lasith Malinga has been extremely expensive and he must be replaced with Tim Southee before he starts losing games for the Paltan. He is no longer the old Malinga.
PREDICTED XI
DD – Sam Billings, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant, Corey Anderson, Chris Morris, Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem, Kagiso Rabada, Zaheer Khan.
MI – Jos Buttler, Parthiv Patel, Nitish Rana, Rohit Sharma, Kierron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Mitch McClenaghan, Tim Southee, Jasprit Bumrah.
WATCH OUT FOR
DD – Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris
MI – Jos Buttler, Nitish Rana, Krunal Pandya
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall: Played -18, DD won – 9, MI won – 9
CONCLUSION AND MATCH PREDICTION
It would be a very important match for the Daredevils as they have just won 2 of their 5 games. They would want to get some crucial points and get back to winning ways after a couple of losses. It will not be easy as the MI-ghty home team are on the top of their game and with their fans backing them, it is bound to be a challenge for Zaheer & Co. Dew will play a part and hence, chasers may take the points. Toss would be crucial as usual and here is what we predict.
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Scenario 1
TOSS – DD wins and opts to field.
1ST INNINGS SCORE – 190-200
MATCH – DD win by 5-7 wickets.
Scenario 2
TOSS – MI wins and opts to field.
1ST INNINGS SCORE – 185-195
MATCH – MI win by 6-8 wickets.
