Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore will draw curtains to the league stages of the IPL 2017. Delhi Daredevils have turned out to be the most inconsistent team this season. The famed bowling line up has failed to live up to their names. The young batsmen have blown hot and cold the entire tournament.
Daredevils’ inconsistency this season reflects in their being the only team to score more than 195 runs three times while being bowled out under 70 on two occasions. Delhi seem to have resurrected in their last couple of matches and would want to finish on a happy note in front of their home crowd. The young batsmen will want to sign off by leaving a lasting impression.
Also Read: IPL Fantasy Tips for DD vs RCB
Finalists of the last season, Royal Challengers Bangalore have have had a disastrous outing this year. They are reeling on the floor in the points table. Virat Kohli, one of the most fiercest competitors in the game would want to give the team’s loyal supporters something to cheer about and get back amongst some runs before Champions Trophy. RCB have only two wins so far this season and thus deserve the infamous wooden spoon. The current 6-match losing streak is their longest losing streak in the IPL.
PITCH
The pitch at Feroz Shah Kotla will be full of runs. Spinners will get some assistance from the wicket.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – STRENGTHS
Karun Nair hit his first half century in the last match and has finally regained some form. Zaheer Khan is still a force to reckon with as he has managed to keep the batsmen quiet. Even though he has not taken a call on his future, it could well be his final competitive match.
Mohd. Shami has started to get his act together as he took some important wickets in the last match. Shahbaz Nadeem has impressed with his disciplined bowling.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – WEAKNESSES
Their batsmen have failed to be consistent in scoring runs. Sanju Samson has really disappointed and so has Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer as they have thrown away good starts. Their overseas recruits Marlon Samuels and Corey Anderson haven’t contributed much. Pat Cummins has leaked too much runs.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE – STRENGTHS
Mandeep Singh seems to have regained his form in the last two matches. Travis Head played a superb knock of 75 off just 47 balls in the last match. Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi have been the most consistent performers in the team. Aniket Choudhary has also bowled with a decent line and length.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE – WEAKNESSES
The way they have surrendered to the opposition this season has really hurt them badly. The lack of intent and positiveness have made them sitting ducks. Virat Kohli, the orange cap holder in IPL 2016, has hit only one half century in his last six innings. Chris Gayle has been a big disappointment with the bat. Kedar Jadhav has failed miserably. Samuel Badree and Sreenath Aravind were hammered for a lot of runs in their last game.
PREDICTED XI
DD – They have won the last two matches, so they would like to stick with the same playing XI. Ben Hilfenhaus may get a game here.
Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Marlon Samuels, Corey Anderson, Shahbaz Nadeem, Ben Hilfenhaus, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan (c), Mohammed Shami
RCB – A B deVilliers has departed for national duty, So Sachin Baby or Harpreet Singh could play here. Tymal Mills may also get a look in.
Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli (c), Mandeep Singh, Travis Head, Sachin Baby, Kedar Jadhav (wk), Pawan Negi, Aniket Choudhary, Samuel Badree, Yuzvendra Chahal, Tymal Mills.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall: Played – 18, DD – 6, RCB – 11, No result – 1.
Earlier this season at Bangalore, RCB defeated DD by 15 runs riding on Kedar Jadhav’s half century.
MATCH PREDICTION
With both sides playing for pride in their last game of this season, here’s what we predict.
If RCB bats first
1st Innings Score: 150 – 160
DD wins by 5 wickets
If DD bats first
1st Innings Score: 170 – 180
DD wins by 20 – 30 runs.
