Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing. Gujarat Lions marred by injuries and some inconsistent performances find themselves languishing at the sixth position in the points table. They have no chance of qualifying for the second phase. Lions would be feeling a little confident with their win against Kings XI Punjab sans Brendon McCullum in the last match. They’ll be playing their last two games at their new home, Kanpur. In 2016, they won both their games here against KKR and MI. Now they’ll be up against Delhi Daredevils in this inconsequential match. Here are the Preview and Match Predictions for Gujarat Lions vs Delhi Daredevils.
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Delhi Daredevils banked on their young batters and the experienced bowling line up to take them through. But they both disappointed and especially the latter. With the likes of Zaheer Khan, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada and Mohd. Shami, they were expected to blow away the opposition. But they didn’t live upto their names. Chris Morris was the only consistent performer for them.
Their young batting did shine in parts but that wasn’t enough to take them to playoffs. They folded for just 66 in the last game against table toppers Mumbai Indians which would have dented the morale of the side badly. They should look to regain some confidence by winning their remaining matches. The young boys would be looking to make some impact on a big stage.
PITCH
Three T20s have been played here; two IPL matches and India vs England fixture. The teams batting second have won all the games. Bowlers can expect some purchase off the wicket. Dew is another factor that will help the side batting second.
GUJARAT LIONS – STRENGTHS
Dwayne Smith contributed for the first time for his side in the last match and it was a match winning knock. Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik have been amongst runs. Ishan Kishan has impressed in his short stints so far. Basil Thampi has caught everyone’s eye in his debut season.
GUJARAT LIONS – WEAKNESSES
The bowling of Gujarat Lions has blown hot and cold this season. James Faulkner and Ravindra Jadeja have been ineffective so far. Their domestic recruits in bowling have failed to impress except Thampi. Aaron Finch hasn’t lived up to his standards. They have failed to find a settled playing XI this whole season due to injuries. They have now only four overseas players to choose from. Lions have batted first on six occasions and have ended up on the losing side each time.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – STRENGTHS
There is not much to talk about in terms of strengths for the most inconsistent team of the season. Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant have made it clear that Indian batting has a bright future ahead. With nothing to lose, the young boys of Delhi would be looking to make a mark here.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – WEAKNESSES
The bowlers haven’t lived up to the expectations. Mohd. Shami and Pat Cummins have leaked too much runs. The young quartet – Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and especially Karun Nair have been inconsistent with the bat. Marlon Samuels has failed to impress in his two outings.
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Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada have left for national duty, while Angelo Mathews is joining Sri Lanka’s preparatory camp for the Champions Trophy. Daredevils, therefore, are left with only five overseas players- Corey Anderson, Carlos Brathwaite, Pat Cummins, Ben Hilfenhaus and Marlon Samuels. 146 run loss to Mumbai Indians would have dealt a severe blow to their confidence.
PREDICTED XI
GL – They are unlikely to tinker with the playing XI that won against KXIP.
Dwayne Smith, Ishan Kishan, Suresh Raina (capt), Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, James Faulkner, Dhawal Kulkarni, Basil Thampi, Ankit Soni, Pradeep Sangwan.
DD – Carlos Braithwaite is likely to replace Kagiso Rabada. Shahbaz Nadeem may get a game as Green Park is expected to be on a slower side.
Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Corey Anderson, Marlon Samuels, Carlos Brathwaite, Pat Cummins, Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem, Zaheer Khan (capt).
HEAD TO HEAD
With both teams out of reckoning for a berth in playoffs, Delhi and Gujarat would be looking to end the campaign on a high with few wins. Here’s what we predict
If DD bats first
1st Innings Score: 140 – 150
GL wins by 5 wickets
If GL bats first
1st Innings Score: 140 – 150
DD wins by 5 wickets.
