DD vs MI preview: Mumbai seek revenge in reverse fixture
Game 36 of IPL-5 features the battle of two heavyweights at the Kotla tonight – as Delhi Daredevils take on Mumbai Indians in what promises to be a thrilling game. The two teams have already faced each other once this season in Mumbai, a match which was dominated by the Daredevils.
The league leaders from Delhi have had a great campaign so far only losing twice in their seven games. They sit at the top comfortably with 10 points and a win tonight before their own fans should consolidate their position at the top. If only it were that easy! Mumbai’s loss to Delhi at home earlier this season and Delhi’s loss to Pune Warriors in their last home game only goes to confirm that home advantage means little in Twenty20 cricket and games in this format are won only by putting in consistent performances. Sehwag would still fancy himself being on the winning side tonight, considering the strength in their batting line-up and balance in their bowling attack.
Mumbai meanwhile, can leapfrog 6 teams with a win tonight, to move to second place, level on points with the Daredevils. Harbhajan, who led Mumbai to a Champions League T20 title last year, has had a few questions raised over his captaincy this season. Their bowling spearhead, Lasith Malinga, is unavailable due to injury and that hasn’t helped matters for the Mumbai Indians. They have managed a win over Punjab after two losses earlier. Bhajji will look to extend that with a win at the Feroz Shah Kotla tonight, avenging their home loss to Delhi earlier this season.
Head-to-Head:
The teams have played nine games against each other in all, of which the Daredevils have won four. In their last encounter on April 16 2012, Delhi snatched a comprehensive 7-wicket victory chasing a low target of 93 runs.
Played: 9, DD – 4, MI – 5
Key Players:
Delhi Daredevils:
1. Virender Sehwag
The aggressive Indian opener has been very important for the Daredevils this season with his attack in the powerplay overs as was evident in the game against Pune Warriors. In a star studded batting line-up, he has immense support in the form of experienced middle-order batsmen Kevin Pietersen and Mahela Jayawardane.
2. Kevin Pietersen
Class personified. He is one of the best batsmen in the game of cricket today and any IPL side would love to have him in its ranks. The former Deccan Chargers player displayed some of his elegant stroke-making as he scored a century against his former team to lead his team to victory. He has been really important for the Daredevils in the middle-order this season and can contribute to the team total.
3. Morne Morkel
The bowling spearhead of the Delhi Daredevils, Morne Morkel has added variation to his bowling but has disguised it well. It has paid off for the South African, as he leads the race for the purple cap. Delhi Daredevils depend on him to get the crucial early wickets to restrict Mumbai to a low total. He can be a great bowler to use in the death overs as well, with his yorkers and slower balls.
Mumbai Indians:
1. Rohit Sharma
The Mumbai batsman burst on to the scene with his performances for the Deccan Chargers in the first three seasons of the IPL, helping them lift the IPL trophy in 2009. Since then, he has come a long way and has become a crucial part of the Mumbai Indians’ middle order. He has displayed composure and cleverness to rescue his team from tough positions time and again. His batting ability will be put to test against Morkel and Irfan Pathan.
2. Ambati Rayudu
The right handed middle order batsman, along with Peterson resued the team from an unlikely scenario against Punjab the other day managing more than 30 runs in the last two overs to take the team through in a nail-biting finish. Besides contributing with the bat, he can also be handy as a bowler if the team needs him to bowl.
3. Pragyan Ojha
The former Chargers’ player who joined the Mumbai franchise in the transfer window before this edition of the IPL has had a good start with the Mumbai Indians. Considering the help that the spinners get from the pitch here at the Kotla, Harbhajan may want to use him alongside Morne Morkel in the powerplay.
Predicted Result:
If recent form is anything to go by, Delhi Daredevils should beat Mumbai in a closely fought game.