Match 67: DD v/s RCB Preview

Just a handful of matches remain before the playoffs and the race to the playoffs heats up even more. Today is a very important day as it will decide the fates of a few teams and their future in tournament. Royal Challengers Bangalore take on the table toppers Delhi Daredevils, in what is a must win match for them. Delhi on the other hand are already into the playoffs.

Delhi have been the team to beat this season and their standings in the points table reflects that very fact. With 2 more matches remaining and having already confirmed their spot in the playoffs, Delhi will be keen on trying to find the right combinations for the playoffs and experiment a little while at the same time try to keep the winning momentum going.

Royal Challengers need to win this match if they want to entertain any thoughts of making it to the playoffs. A lose won’t completely knock them out of contention, they will still have an outside chance, but RCB will be trying to avoid that scenario at all costs. The team looks good and will be keen to bounce back from the surprising loss to Mumbai in their last match.

Head to Head:

The two teams have met 7 times with DD winning on 4 of those occasions and RCB winning 3 times. Royal Challengers won the last encounter between the two at Bangalore by 20 runs earlier this season.

Players to watch out for:

Delhi Daredevils

Mahela Jayawardene

The Sri Lankan skipper has been the mainstay of Delhi’s middle order and the go to man when there is trouble and early wickets have fallen. With his vast experience and amazing ability to pace his innings well, Jayawardene will be a key player in the DD batting order. Lot rests on him considering that the middle order is weak and have crumbled in the past few matches. He scored a match winning half century last match and would be looking to continue the good form.

Virender Sehwag

The talented opener is made for the T20 format and has been in prolific form this year. He has however failed in the last few outings and desperately will be trying to get back on his feet before the playoffs. Along with Warner at the top, he will be a big worry for the already weak RCB bowlers.

Morne Morkel

The South African fast bowler who took a truckload of wickets at the start of the tournament has slowly fallen off the radar. He has been the strike bowler for Delhi but hasn’t had a very good run in the past couple of games. His form is a worry and DD will be hoping for a reversal in that as he is a vital component for DD as they look at the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Chris Gayle

The big West Indian opener is the key for RCB. Being a batting team, they rely heavily on their batting and mainly on this Calypso. With the ability to deposit the ball into the stands at will, DD bowlers will be wary of him. His performance tonight with the bat may make the difference for RCB and a lot rests on his shoulders. Morkel vs. Gayle is a mouth watering contest on display tonight.

AB de Villiers

The South African skipper has been the finisher on whom RCB have relied towards the end of the innings, and so far, he hasn’t disappointed. Playing some very unorthodox strokes, he has helped RCB to wins on more than one occasion and it will be interesting to see what he can do tonight.

Zaheer Khan

The best bowler in the RCB unit is no doubt Muralitharan. However a lot would rest on Zaheer Khan specially after the bowling unit’s atrocious performance in it’s previous match. He would be banked upon to strike early against Delhi’s dangerous openers and as well as keep it tight at the end.

Predicted Result:

Delhi look the superior side on paper and with the home condition in their favor, they are favorites but RCB are sure to have a few surprises up their sleeves and this match should be a good contest.

Predicted winner : Delhi Daredevils