Delhi Capitals might be not be the run-away favorites to win Qualifier 1 in IPL 2020 on Thursday, but they have the skill and talent and to beat Mumbai says former KKR wicket-keeper batsman, Manvinder Bisla.
In an exclusive chat with cricketnews.com, Bisla stated that while Mumbai look strong in all departments, it would be futile to rule out Delhi Capitals “Obviously Mumbai too have a great bowling unit but the way Delhi have gone about it with the ball has been magnificent. Even with the bat, I feel, that with the talent they have in their ranks, they can chase down any total on the night,” said Bisla.
The 35-year-old also added that losing Qualifier 1 is not only delays a team’s potential journey towards the all important finals, but also results in a loss of momentum. “Rythm is a very important factor in the IPL. It not only stretches your season even further but results in a loss of momentum. If you win Qualifier 1, then you are get to rest, relax and prepare for four days to a week for the final.
Bisla highlighted the contribution of the pace bowling units of both the sides, but added that the unique combination of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje could give Delhi a decent chance, even if they bat first.
” While I have absolutely loved watching Rabada bowl, the bowler of the tournament has been Anrich Nortje for me – the pace at which he has bowled and the impact he has had is absolutely outstanding.”
“Even if Delhi bat first and put up a decent total on the board, having Nortje and Rabada with the ball could give them a great chance – my heart says Delhi could qualify tonight” he concluded.
The two sides go head to head at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday with the winner going straight to the final on November 10th.
The team that loses this game, meets the winner of the eliminator on Sunday to decide the second entrant in the final.