DD v/s DC preview: Daunting Challenge for DC
Yet to get on the board even after their first three games, a struggling Deccan Chargers side takes on Delhi Daredevils, who are on a red-hot run of form having beaten Mumbai Indians at the latter’s ground. Their form aside, the match is to be played in Delhi in front of the DD supporters, making an already daunting task more difficult for the Chargers.
With three wins out of four, the Daredevils have already beaten heavyweights in CSK, MI and KKR and will look to extend their superb run of form when they take on a less-fancied DC side at home. Though they start as favourites to win the game, in a format of the game where no side can be ruled out, complacency can spell disaster for Sehwag’s men.
The Chargers are yet to gel as a team, and though their performance has improved with each game, it hasn’t yet been good enough to set their points tally ticking. The first game against CSK was a humiliating loss on all fronts with few positives for the Hyderabad team. Their second match with Mumbai was much more closely fought and despite the bowling department performing really well, it couldn’t quite compensate for the insipid batting display. The third loss to the Royals however told a different story. A good batting effort wasn’t sufficient to pull a win off as the bowlers let them down and the team crumbled to their third consecutive loss. An all-round performance is necessary if they are to avoid further humiliation at the Kotla today.
Head-to-Head:
The two sides have faced each other nine times of which four games have been won by the Chargers. In the last encounter on May 5, 2011 in Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils won comfortably by four wickets, thanks to a Sehwag century.
Played – 9; DD – 5; DC – 4;
Players to watch out for:
Delhi Daredevils:
1. Morne Morkel
The Spearhead of the Delhi Daredevils bowling attack, Morne Morkel has done a good job of lowering the scoring rate during the Powerplay overs. The South African pacer will be a huge factor in determining the match result today as Sehwag will look to send Sangakkara and Shikhar Dhawan back to the pavilion early to prevent DC from setting up a high score.
2. Irfan Pathan
The Indian all-rounder has been contributing both with the bat and ball for the Daredevils. He had a quick knock against KKR which proved decisive as Delhi eventually won the game, where his hard-hitting ability had earned him a promotion in the batting line-up. He can boost the run-rate with the bat and then also pick up a wicket or two to supplement the bowling unit. Having an all-rounder is handy in this format of the game, and Irfan Pathan is filling in the role well for the Delhi side.
3. Virender Sehwag
It may seem surprising to choose Sehwag over the star middle-order batsmen – Kevin Pietersen and Mahela Jayawardane, but the Nawab of Najafgarh as he is often called, can unnerve any opposition bowler with his shots. The Daredevils depend on him to get off to a flying start and the Chargers would be delighted to see him take the walk back to the pavilion as early into the Delhi innings as possible.
Deccan Chargers:
1. Dale Steyn
He had a forgettable match against Rajasthan Royals the other day, and though the pitch at Kotla doesn’t offer much for the fast bowlers, as one of the best pace bowlers in the world, Dale Steyn can almost single-handedly win DC the game, which he very nearly did against Mumbai Indians in the Chargers’ second game. Should he manage to replicate that performance here, DC might manage to get on board with a win today.
2. Kumar Sangakkara
The Chargers captain and star batsman bears bulk of the batting responsibility as the side need to post a high total on board for their bowlers to defend, and the Sri Lankan batsman will have to keep the runs flowing on his end to allow other batsmen to settle in. A decent 44-run knock off 32 balls from him helped DC set up a big total against RR and he has to get going if DC are to win today.
3. Amit Mishra
The leg-spinner was the only bowler who looked threatening against the Rajasthan Royals and had 3 wickets to show off his efforts. On a pitch that favors spin, he can be a dangerous opponent who can breakdown any opposition’s batting line-up. Sehwag & Co. would be wary of the threat that he poses especially on the pitches in the subcontinent.
Predicted Result:
On paper, the Daredevils are a well-rounded side in all departments and look to be more than a match for the struggling Chargers.
Other articles that might interest you :
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/19/how-the-kings-lost-the-plot/
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/18/all-round-performance-from-kolkata-overpowers-kings/