Match 56: DC v/s DD Preview

We are almost at the end of the tournament and each match now is important for the teams in contention.  With only two teams – KKR and DD almost in the playoffs, there is a lot to play for.  Today, Delhi Daredevils who are second on the table and are almost assured of a place in the playoffs, take on the Deccan Chargers who are woefully languishing at the bottom.  With a win, Delhi can reclaim their top spot and book tickets to the playoffs, while Deccan have nothing to lose, as their campaign ended a long time ago.  It’s all about playing for pride for the Deccan side now.

Delhi despite being an outstanding team, have looked a little out of sorts ever since Kevin Pietersen left them.  After their loss against KKR at home, the team will be raring to get back to it’s usual winning ways and more importantly book their seats in the playoffs.

Deccan Chargers’ tale has been the exact opposite of Delhi this season.  It has been a season of ‘What ifs’ for the Deccan side, and they will be desperate to turn the tide and win these last few matches for their fans.  However, they are against their terrible record of just 1 win from 16 matches at home and it is to be seen if they can reverse that as well along with their woeful form.

Head to Head:

The two teams have met 10 times with Delhi winning on 6 of those occasions and Deccan winning 4 times.   Delhi won the last encounter between the two at the Feroz Shah Kotla earlier this season by 5 wickets.

Players to watch out for:

Delhi Daredevils

David Warner

The dashing Australian opener hasn’t scored big yet and it is only a matter of time before he gets into the act. He is a dynamite and will be expected to get the runs at the top considering that the middle order is weak with the absence of KP and Ross Taylor not in the best of form.  Being a natural striker of the ball, it takes him just a couple of deliveries to find his rhythm and get going.  Today DD will be hoping for runs to pour from his blade and a big partnership with their skipper, Sehwag at the top.

Irfan Pathan

The talented all-rounder who once promised much, hasn’t set the world on fire with his performances so far this season.  Except for the occasional burst of brilliance, he has been ordinary; although tonight might be a different story.  Against KKR in the last match, he scored heavy with the bat and played a nice little cameo.  His role as a finisher and a bowler at the top gives DD the much needed flexibility in the team composition.

Morne Morkel

The lanky South African fast bowler is on 20 wickets alongside Malinga who holds the Purple Cap, but he would certainly want to get it from the Sri Lankan and a couple of wickets today will do.  He has been the strike bowler for Delhi but hasn’t had a very good wicket taking run in the past couple of games and would be looking to bounce back.  With the Deccan batsman not in the best of knick, this is perhaps his best time to strike and strike big.

Deccan Chargers

Kumar Sangakara

The skipper of the DC team hasn’t been in the best of forms and it is high time he starts scoring.  Deccan’s problems have been mainly in the batting with none of the batsmen being consistent and today the Sri Lankan’s contribution with the bat will be vital.

Dale Steyn

He is the premier fast bowler in modern times and though he was taken apart by AB de Villiers in his last match, he still remains as a match winner.  Deccan Chargers missed him dearly in their previous match that he sat out with a niggle and today will be the key.  Steyn versus Warner, Steyn versus Sehwag are some mouth watering contests on display today.

Cameron White

 If Deccan have had one positive this season, then is has been this man.  He has been the lone warrior for Deccan in the batting department and the back bone of the team.  The middle order revolves around him and he has a huge role to play if Deccan are to win this one.

Predicted Result:

Going by everything that has happened this season, Delhi Daredevils are favorites to win this one.  Deccan Chargers at home have always struggled and today, against a powerful team, the story might be the same.