Delhi Capitals are all set to face table toppers Mumbai indians in the first of the last double headers. The last time these two teams faced off in IPL 2020, De Kock and Suryakumar Yadav led MI to an emphatic win. However, without the presence of captain Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians could be on their toes against a red-hot Kagiso Rabada, who currently owns the Purple Cap in IPL 2020. With both teams eyeing a top-two finish, we should be in for another entertaining game as the final weekend in IPL 2020 kicks off with this fixture.
Match Details:
Match:
Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, Match 51
Date:
31st October 2020, 3:30 PM IST
Venue:
Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
What To Expect:
The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a decent one to bat on, as the ball comes on to the bat fairly well. As seen in the previous IPL game played at this venue between CSK and KKR, spin could play a pretty significant role, and there could be some swing on offer for the pacers as well. The powerplay phase could be tricky for the top-order batsmen of both teams, and rotation of strike will likely be key at this venue. Wickets in hand could be crucial to either side’s fortunes, with 160-170 considered to be a decent total at this venue. Considering the fact that this game is an afternoon fixture, both teams will ideally want to bat first although the conditions shouldn’t change much during the game.
Delhi Capitals:
Delhi Capitals are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in IPL 2020; one win in their two remaining games should suffice in that regard. Despite topping the points table for most of the IPL 2020 season, DC come into this game on the back of three consecutive losses, something that will be a worry for Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting. Nevertheless, the Capitals look well-equipped on paper although they will want Rishabh Pant to strike form as soon as possible, as the southpaw’s lack of runs has had an impact in the middle order.
DC Predicted Playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tushar Deshpande.
Mumbai Indians:
CSK’s last-ball win over KKR has ensured that Mumbai Indians becomes the first team to qualify for the play-offs in IPL 2020. However, it’s not a dead rubber for Mumbai Indians, as the defending IPL champions look to seal a top-two spot that will give them two opportunities to reach the final. MI’s batting unit has been held together admirably by Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is facing an injury concern. Stand-in captain Kieron Pollard has led his troops well, and his management of Jasprit Bumrah’s overs has been exemplary. Bumrah, along with the likes of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, will be key against a star-studded DC batting unit.
MI Predicted Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard (C), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.