They were down in dumps. Folded for 67 against Punjab. And they have entered the knockout phase. Six out of six, else its curtains. They came together to hunt down the defending champs. But the real twist of fate came in the next. It was a play it seemed, a young prince named Rishabh Pant aided by a classy subtle Sanju Samson had to chase down 208 to save the fortress. And they did. And in ways that were out of boundaries mostly. Sanju Samson was at his sublime best. The easy manner in which he sent the white cherry into the hands of audience, it is as if he was handling a baby. Here are the Preview and Match Result Predictions for Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians.
On the other side, Pant was ferocious and he decided to make it grand. A ball came on the up, wide of off stump and that was dispatched to covers. An incoming towards the pads was flicked over fine leg for a six. And there are 7 more stories to tell. Delhi need four wins now, out of four to make it to playoffs and three to have an outside chance. But the form they are in, they seem unstoppable and especially at home.
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But Delhi is up against the biggest hurdle in their quest for the top four spot, Mumbai Indians. Indians have been the most perfect team this season. The balance and temperament to close the matches in their favour had really been the highlight of the successful campaign. All the players have stepped onto the driver seat some time to ride the game home. Mumbai would be looking to nail the ninth win to strengthen their lead at the top which will give them two chances to have a go at the finals.
PITCH
In the last two matches at Feroz Shah Kotla, the home side has chased down 186 and 208. There will be some assistance for the spinners especially in the first half. So win the toss and go for chase would be the motto.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – STRENGTHS
Delhi’s batting has really taken it onto themselves to chase down some big scores. The young turks have delivered on their promise. Rishabh Pant has been sterling and so has Sanju Samson. Shreyas Iyer and Corey Anderson have been good with the bat. Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins have bowled beautifully to sneak out wickets despite pitch offering no assistance. And they have got the momentum going for them and that too at home.
DELHI DAREDEVILS – WEAKNESSES
The absence of Zaheer Khan is showing up in the bowling department. Mohd. Shami hasn’t been impressive with the ball. Corey Anderson and Nadeem are leaking away runs. And the poor form of the acting captain Karun Nair is still a concern. Their star performer, Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada are expected to leave for national duty on May 7.
MUMBAI INDIANS – STRENGTHS
The winning habit has really worked wonders for them as they have won some close ones. Rohit Sharma has come back into form exactly at the right time. Jos Butler have provided them good starts upfront. Their bowling has really impressed.
Krunal Pandya is eking out crucial wickets. And so has Mitchell McClenaghan. Malinga seems to be coming back into the groove. Karn Sharma has contributed well in whatever opportuninties he has got. Jasprit Bumrah is ever reliable.
MUMBAI INDIANS – WEAKNESSES
Their batting hasn’t really fired in the last two games. Nitish Rana’s poor form is a cause of concern as he bats at crucial No.3 position. Kieron Pollard also seems to be running out of steam. They have had close wins but an assuring win is needed now to stamp their authority at the top.
PREDICTED XI
DD – Chris Morris who was rested for the last game is expected to be back in place of Marlon Samuels. Zaheer Khan is still recuperating from hamstring injury.
Sanju Samson, Karun Nair (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Corey Anderson, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Amit Mishra, Mohammed Shami, Shahbaz Nadeem
MI – Harbhajan Singh may make a comeback to replace Karn Sharma. There has been no word on Krunal Pandya’s injury landing on the ball in the previous match.
Jos Butler, Parthiv Patel (wk), Nitish Rana, Rohit Sharma (capt), Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga
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HEAD TO HEAD
Overall: Played – 19, DD – 9, MI – 10
In Delhi: Played – 7, DD – 5, MI – 2
Earlier this season at Wankhede, Delhi restricted Mumbai to 142 before losing by 14 runs despite late flourish by Rabada and Morris.
MATCH PREDICTION
Delhi and Mumbai have always been traditional rivals and this is expected to be another nail biting encounter. Here’s what we predict
If MI bats first
1st Innings Score: 180 – 190
DD wins by 5 wickets
If DD bats first
1st Innings Score: 180 – 190
