It’s not until we have felt the lowest of lows in our life that we can appreciate the highest of highs. Delhi Daredevils have blown hot and cold this season; there have been some mind-blowing performances (like the chases against the Gujarat Lions) as well as some disappointing lows (being bowled out for 66 and 67). Whenever the young turks of the batting line up have stepped up their games, Delhi have pulled up some memorable wins. The last match saw the rise of another future prospect of Indian batting, Shreyas Iyer. His heartwarming knock was filled with shots from coaching manual. Delhi would like to finish the tournament on a high and especially in their home for the last two matches. Here are the Preview and Match Predictions for Delhi Daredevils vs Rising Pune Supergiants.
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Rising Pune Supergiants have effected a remarkable turnaround this year. After suffering three successive defeats, they have clinched wins in six of their last seven matches.With 16 points in 12 games, RPS would like to seal a playoff berth in this encounter itself and stake their claim to finish among top two teams. Their inferior net run rate still makes them susceptible of getting knocked out of the tournament if they lose both their remaining matches. They will be without the services of team’s leading wicket taker this season – Imran Tahir who has left for national duty.
PITCH
The pitch at Feroz Shah Kotla has been a batting paradise. The average first innings total in IPL 2017 in Delhi is 192. In the two most-recent matches at the Feroz Shah Kotla, the teams batting first have posted 212-3 and 208-7. Dew is expected to play a role in second innings and thus teams would like to bowl first here.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – STRENGTHS
Their young batting line up has shown a lot of character especially in tough run chases. Shreyas Iyer was phenomenal two nights ago as he set up a morale boosting win over Gujarat Lions. Zaheer Khan has used all his experience in his bowling to keep the batsmen silent. His captaincy has also been inspiring. Mohd. Shami has shown a few sparks of his old form. They’ll be betting on their young turks to fire once again on a batsmen friendly wicket at Kotla.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – WEAKNESSES
The poor form of Karun Nair has hurt them badly. He has thrown off some good starts. After the departure of Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada, the inclusion of Marlon Samuels and Carlos Braithwaite hasn’t provided them the desired results. Pat Cummins has leaked too much runs. Corey Anderson has failed to impress with both bat and ball. Their batsmen need to be more consistent and look to stay longer in the middle.
RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS – STRENGTHS
RPS are on a four match winning streak. The bowlers have done a remarkable job. Jaydev Unadkat has bowled beautifully with the new ball and especially at death. He has been among the most consistent wicket takers. Ben Stokes good form with both bat and ball is one of the reasons that RPS find themselves sitting pretty at the top. Washington Sundar has been economical . M S Dhoni has played some important cameos with the bat.
RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS – WEAKNESSES
The biggest concern for RPS is the poor form of Ajinkya Rahane. The opener is very vital for the RPS if they want to lift this year’s title. Steve Smith hasn’t exactly fired with the bat. Dan Christian hasn’t contributed much with both bat and ball. The absence of Imran Tahir would be a thing to worry about.
PREDICTED XI
DD – Pant was hit on a thumb in the last match. He looked a little uncomfortable in his brief stay at the crease. Ben Hilfenhaus may get a game here.
Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Marlon Samuels, Corey Anderson, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Hilfenhaus, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan (capt), Mohammed Shami
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RPS – With Imran Tahir having left for South Africa, the Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa should come in.
Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith (capt), MS Dhoni (wk), Ben Stokes, Manoj Tiwary, Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall: Played – DD – 1, RPS – 2
Earlier this season at Pune, Samson scored the first century of IPL 2017 as Delhi put up a total of 205. In reply, RPS folded for a paltry 108.
MATCH PREDICTION
As RPS look to ward off any threat from the resurgent KXIP for a place in playoffs and Delhi looking to give their fans some reason to cheer, here’s what we predict.
If DD bats first
1st Innings Score: 190 – 200
DD wins by 20 – 30 runs.
If RPS bats first
1st Innings Score: 190 – 200
RPS wins by 30 – 40 runs.
