Topsy-turvy top of the table clash in Abu Dhabi
The final match of the second double header weekend is a top of the table encounter between reigning champions the Mumbai Indians and this year’s inform side the Delhi Capitals. Both teams will be eager to continue their good form which saw them both win their last two games each.
Top of the pack
Six matches in to this year’s Dream11 Indian Premier League and I’m not even sure that the Delhi Capitals management and players could have dreamed about the position they have found themselves in. Five wins from six and they are sitting pretty at the top of the tree and with 10 points. But their next match with the Mumbai Indians will be their toughest test yet, with the champions hot on their tail in second place.
It was a comprehensive victory against the Rajasthan Royals on Friday night for the Capitals as they brushed past the Royals in the first game at Sharjah that wasn’t a run fest. Despite losing early wickets, the Capitals got themselves up to a competitive 184-8, with 45 from Shimron Hetmyer the highlight. Hetmyer struck five big sixes to give the Capitals innings the much needed late push it required.
They managed to bowl Rajasthan out for 138, with three wickets for star quick bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is leading the race for the Purple cap with 15 wickets so far from six games. The South African is showing why he is one of the most feared bowlers in the world with his searing pace.
Can they go three from three?
The Mumbai Indians have looked pretty good all the way throughout their IPL campaign so far, and like the Capitals, they come in to this one following a big win against the Rajasthan Royals. 79 from Suryakumar Yadav helped Mumbai reach 193 before some brilliant bowling from their seamers to bowl the Royals out for 136.
The brilliantly unique Jasprit Bumrah produced an unbelievable spell of 4-0-20-4 to rip through the middle order of the Royals. He was supported fantastically by the experienced pair of Trent Boult (4-0-26-2) and James Pattinson (3.1-0-19-2). The trio sit in second, third and fourth in the race for the purple cap, behind only their rival for this match Kagiso Rabada.
It is common knowledge in white ball cricket that batsmen can win you matches but bowlers win you trophies, and it isn’t hard to work out that the reason that both of these teams find themselves at the top of the table is their fierce bowling line ups.
Match Tip
You wouldn’t want to bet against either of these two, considering the good form they have been showing so far in the IPL. Delhi will be desperate to go four points clear at the top and give themselves some breathing space from the chasing pack.
I am backing the Delhi Capitals to hit more fours than the Mumbai Indians at 1.73 with bet365.
Post bet chat Jack's Tips:
17 fours hit by the Delhi Capitals, six of them from Shikhar Dhawan.