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Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will meet in the first match of Saturday's doubleheader to strengthen their spot in the points table. Delhi have already qualified for the Playoffs, whereas Mumbai are currently tied on 10 points with Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, albeit having played a match fewer. Delhi will look for a top-two finish, while Mumbai need to win all their matches for a direct qualification based on points as their NRR is low.
The Mumbai middle-order stars, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, have not been at their best this season. They dropped Kishan in the last match, and let Saurabh Tiwary play who played a key role in their win. They will be happy Hardik Pandya's return to form, though he is yet to bowl at full potential. A strong performance from the middle order will also make their openers, Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock bat more freely and be their usual self.
The bowlers have done better. Jasprit Bumrah leads the way with 16 wickets at an economy rate of 7.62. They will also hope for early wickets from Trent Boult, just like last season. The in-form Nathan Coulter-Nile should continue, along with Rahul Chahar, who has 13 wickets. Against Delhi's left-handers, they may also back Jayant Yadav ahead of an off-colour Krunal Pandya.
Despite the defeat in their last match, against Kolkata, Delhi have done most things right. They will hope for Prithvi Shaw to be fit and back. If not, they may continue with Steven Smith or consider Sam Billings at the top with Shikhar Dhawan. The middle-order batters – Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer – are in good form.
Two world-class South African pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are perfectly complemented by Indian youngster Avesh Khan in the Delhi bowling attack. For spin, they are dependent on Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel. Ashwin had a very busy time in last couple of days, off the field but generally have a very good record for Delhi Capitals against the Mumbai Indians and would be itching to go. If required, they can also get help from the all-rounder Lalit Yadav who has replaced Marcus Stoinis efficiently.
Likely XIs
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult.
Delhi Capitals: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje.
Prediction
Mumbai Indians to win.
Betway Fantasy Tips:
- Pace bowlers from both teams - Bumrah, Nortje, Rabada, and Avesh are in good wicket-taking form.
- Shikhar Dhawan is scoring heavily for Delhi Capitals consistently this season.
- Both teams have some key all-rounders to pick like Pollard, Hardik, Axar, and Lalit.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Quinton de Kock; Shikhar Dhawan (C), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Kieron Pollard; Hardik Pandya, Lalit Yadav; Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Anrich Nortje, Rahul Chahar, Avesh Khan
