Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) started their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) campaigns on polar opposite notes. MI had only one win in their first five games, while Delhi had just one defeat in theirs. But slowly and steadily, both teams started diverging from their form, to the point that they now meet in the middle. The stakes, however, are higher than ever, more so for DC. If they lose this game, it will be a final goodbye for them this season. If they win it, they’ll need to pray harder for things to go their way.
MI’s love for starting their day late has often given them problems, keeping them out of the top four or even landing them the wooden spoon. This season, though, it hasn’t betrayed them, thanks in large part to their six-game winning streak. They were the first team to stop DC, who were then on a roll like a juggernaut. But when observed minutely, most of MI’s wins came against teams that have struggled to maintain their stature this season. Their last game was against GT, perhaps the most nerve-wracking game this season, with every element of nature at play. And while the game went down to the last ball, MI were out of the contest for most of it.
But as luck would have it, they don’t need to worry much. DC aren’t exactly in top form either. All MI need to do is capitalize on DC’s struggles, and their next game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) would essentially turn into a dead rubber.
Team Overview:
Both teams come off defeats against Gujarat Titans (GT), and will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next. But DC’s defeat was one for the ages. GT made a farce out of DC’s 200-run target by gunning it down with 10 wickets and an over to spare. KL Rahul’s 65-ball 112-run knock was definitely a pleasant surprise for GT, who haven’t seen that sort of innings at the top this season. Rahul averages the third-highest among all batters with at least 450 runs this season, and he has shown he is pretty apt at asserting dominance during any stage of the game. However, the failure of the rest of the batting lineup to step up has been a constant for Delhi this IPL.
But more blame needs to rest on the bowling lineup. Mustafizur Rahman was able to feature against GT, in place of Mitchell Starc, despite landing in India a few hours prior to the game, but went wicketless like the rest of his teammates. Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup will chew DC’s bowling attack alive if they continue to act timid in the same way.
Mumbai last played a game nearly two weeks ago, before all the disruptions halted the tournament, and incidentally, that was in Wankhede too. Their winning streak was built largely on how their batters and bowlers have combined. MI’s middle-order have averaged the highest this season, 33.76, while striking at 156, and it was rightly on display in their last outing when a 71-run partnership between Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav helped put a decent total on board.
There was also a few-game-long revival from the top order as well, with Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma smashing at the top, and Mumbai would hope it stays this way, at least until this season ends. Nothing, however, inspires more confidence in Mumbai than their bowling attack. Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah lead a versatile bowling unit, with all of them at the top of their game.
Head-to-Head Matches:
In 36 matches that both sides have faced each other, Mumbai have won 20, while DC came out on top in 16.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Wankhede pitch has offered plenty of runs this season, especially in the recent games, with all but one game seeing scores surge higher than 150 runs. Teams chasing have found much success, having won 4 out of 6 games this IPL. There is prediction of rain paying a visit, with chances of rain increasing as the game progresses.
Prediction:
DC’s chances of making it to the playoffs hinge largely on this game, but not entirely on it. They will need a couple more results going their way, even if they win this game. With this uncertainty on their mind and a three-game losing streak, they might fail to maintain their spirits against MI at their home venue.
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
