Delhi Capitals (DC) are the only unbeaten team this season as well as, unsurprisingly, the table-toppers. Mumbai Indians (MI), meanwhile, aren’t exactly their polar opposites. However, they have as many defeats as Delhi have wins. This should make their encounter a clear case of drubbing in Delhi’s home ground on Sunday night. But in all likelihood, can Mumbai be walked over like this, especially when the venue suits their skill set so much? They have been known to be late starters. Although they do not boast a very decent record at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, having lost eight out of their 15 games here over the years, their middle-order should find plenty going in their favour this venue, making all the difference they need to get over DC.
But that’s easier said than done. Especially when you have to face a team that has earned the right to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Team Overview:
DC got Faf du Plessis off Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this season, and this trade has yet to pay off in their favour. He did score an on-the-dot fifty against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Vizag but DC need more from him. Especially when Jake Fraser-McGurk has yet to find his destructive form from the last season. The middle order is doing fairly well, particularly when compared to other teams. That’s largely because KL Rahul’s brilliance. He averages 92.5 so far this season and was the reason, along with Tristan Stubbs, why DC won the game against RCB. Rahul has done well regardless of his entry points. Against CSK, when he was promoted up the order because of Faf du Plessis’ absence. Vipraj Nigam was phenomenal on his debut against RCB, and there should not be any reason for DC to drop him this time.
MI have a similar top order issue as DC. And similarly their middle order has been equally explosive. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Naman Dhir have been MI’s biggest reliefs amidst all the chaos they find themselves in. On his return, Jasprit Bumrah stayed wicketless but that should not deceive you. HIs line and length were immaculate, making him very economically, with the same level of danger he normally possesses. Despite all this, MI would very much fancy getting their hitman, Rohit Sharma, back in form on one of the flattest pitches this season.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians go all the way back to the time when DC was Delhi Daredevils. In 35 matches both sides have met each other, Mumbai have won 19 matches and lost 16.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Delhi would greet both teams with a flat deck and a run-fest should not be off the cards. DC ended up scoring a total in excess of 200 runs, and should it surprise anyone if a similar figure is reached tonight? The weather is clear of any rain threats, but dew should visit the venue during the second innings, so toss-winning captain will look to bowl first.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
MENA: Cricbuzz
