Preview: M45 - DD vs MI
What
Delhi and Mumbai – traditional rivals in the context of Indian cricket – will come up against each other in Match 45 of VIVO IPL 2017.
The Delhi Daredevils have felled Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Gujarat Lions in their last two matches. On both occasions, DD were faced with a stiff target – needing to chase 186 against SRH and 206 against GL – and the young batsmen turned in some sterling performances and helped the team to two points on each occasion.
Mumbai Indians, who are returning to action after a four-day break, occupy the top spot in the standings. Before the break, they clinched a last-over win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. MI need one more win to seal a playoff spot, and Rohit Sharma’s side will know they cannot take their opponents lightly.
When
06 May 2017, 2000 Hrs IST
Where
Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi
The Protagonists
Sanju Samson has been consistent – even if he has been guilty of not converting the starts into big scores, while young Rishabh Pant showcased his enormous talent in the previous match against the Gujarat Lions. The spotlight will be on the two young lads, and DD fans will hope they can carry their form into this important match.
There is no doubt that Rohit Sharma is MI’s biggest match-winner, and the team will be glad that their captain has got runs at a crucial stage in the tournament. Rohit made an unbeaten 56 and piloted the team’s chase against RCB. Nitish Rana – MI’s highest run-getter this season – had gone off the boil in the last few matches, and given he bats at the crucial number three position, MI will hope he can get back among the runs quickly.
On match eve, Zaheer Khan was seen training and possibly even underwent a fitness test. However, there has been no update from the Delhi Daredevils camp if the captain has recovered from his hamstring injury and is available to take part in this match. For Mumbai Indians, Harbhajan Singh – who missed the previous match – is reported to be fit and available for selection.
Match within the match
Rohit Sharma against Amit Mishra is a contest that promises to be exciting. The pair have come up against each other on numerous occasions, and the DD leg-spinner has the bragging rights, having dismissed the MI captain on 5 occasions. Rohit Sharma has scored 75 runs off 81 balls Mishra has bowled to him in the IPL.
Head to Head
Overall: Matches played – 19, Delhi Daredevils Won – 9, Mumbai Indians Won – 10
In Delhi: Matches played – 7, Delhi Daredevils Won – 5, Mumbai Indians Won – 2
These two teams were involved in a thrilling contest at the Wankhede Stadium earlier this season. The Delhi Daredevils pacers made the home batsmen work hard for their runs. MI, batting first, posted a below-par 142-8. In the second half, the MI pacers came out firing on all cylinders and reduced the visitors to 24 for 6. Even a 91-run sixth wicket partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris could only take the visitors to 128-7. MI won that contest by 14 runs.
Trivia
The Mumbai Indians captain has scored more runs against the Delhi Daredevils than against any other IPL team; he has scored 660 runs in 20 IPL matches against DD.
Lasith Malinga has played 11 IPL matches against the Delhi Daredevils, and he has never returned wicket-less; in the 11 matches, he has picked up a total of 19 wickets and has an economy rate of 6.61.
The Delhi Daredevils have won 3 of their 4 home matches this season. MI too have won 3 of their 4 away matches this season.
In the four matches played at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground this season, quick bowlers have taken 33 wickets, while spin bowlers have collected only 9 wickets.
What Next
For Delhi Daredevils: Return Fixture (Away) Vs. Gujarat Lions, May 10
For Mumbai Indians: Return Fixture (Away) Vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, May 8