IPL 2018: Match 55, DD vs MI, Preview- Can Mumbai traverse the final hurdle of resurgent Daredevils?

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have had a stupendous run in the second leg of the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise was dead and buried at the halfway mark, but won five out of their last seven games to keep themselves alive in the tournament. Rohit Sharma’s men next face the Delhi Daredevils (DD) at the Feroz Shah Kotla and the match will decide Mumbai’s fate in the T20 league.

They have an impressive Net Run Rate of +0.384, which is currently the best among the eight participants. Hence, they are poised to edge the other teams based on NRR, provided they get locked on equal points after the second encounter of tomorrow’s doubleheader. On the contrary, the contest has no importance as far as the Delhi Daredevils (DD) are concerned.

The Daredevils have already secured their position as the cellar dwellers and only have pride to play for. However, following their spirited performance against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) they will be keen to end their campaign with another victory. Mumbai have been in such pressure-cooker situations before and they will be looking to bring forth all their experience in the must-win contest.

Team Combinations

Delhi Daredevils

With nothing to lose in the league, DD can afford to experiment with the lineup. Gautam Gambhir may replace Prithvi Shaw as the opener and Shreyas Iyer remains as the second opening batsman. Rishabh Pant comes in a number three. Glenn Maxwell is likely to get his final chance to make amends for a horrendous season. Vijay Shankar and Harshal Patel will also have to play their role.

The bowlers did an exceptional job against CSK. Trent Boult will be keen to end the event with another strong performance. Sandeep Lamichhane and Amit Mishra were excellent the last night and they will be tough to pounce on a slow and low deck. Avesh Khan has been taken for runs and he will hope to sign off with a decent show. Harshal Patel also will like to churn out another superlative spell of bowling.

Predicted XI

Gautam Gambhir, Shreyas Iyer (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Harshal Patel, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan

Mumbai Indians

The franchise, following their win against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), won’t want to change their lineup. Evin Lewis and Surya are most certainly to open. Ishan Kishan has been in prime form lately and the onus will be on him to shoulder the middle order. Rohit Sharma’s tenacity as the skipper will also be tested. Kieron Pollard’s return to form is expected to keep him in good stead.

Krunal and Hardik Pandya will have to get runs as well. The bowling department has been in form for the last few matches. Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell McClenaghan will definitely be a key if Mumbai are to topple the hosts. Mayank Markande is expected to be effective on the Kotla strip along with Krunal Pandya. Ben Cutting and Hardik Pandya also need to do their bit.

Predicted XI

Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (capt), Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan

Players to watch out for

Sandeep Lamichhane- Rajasthan Royals

Lamichhane churned out impressive spells in the couple of matches he has played. He imparted significant revs on his leg-breaks and the wicket in Delhi also responded. He picked up the crucial scalp of Suresh Raina with a wrong’un and conceded a mere 21 runs in his four overs. In the last match, the Nepalese tweaker will wish for another good show with the leather.

Mayank Markande- Mumbai Indians

Markande has been one of Mumbai’s most notable performers. On wickets, which provided help for him, the Punjab-leggie extracted turn and bounce to rattle the batsmen. The pitch in Delhi is likely to suit his style of bowling and his performance will be extremely important if Mumbai wish to save themselves from the wrath of elimination.

Head to Head

Played 21, Delhi- 10, Mumbai- 11, NR/Tie- 0

Stat Attack

Rohit Sharma has scored 688 runs in the IPL against Delhi Daredevils in 22 innings at an average of 36.21 with help of four fifties. Only Virat Kohli (761) scored more IPL runs against DD than Rohit thus far.

Kieron Pollard has scored 2972 runs in the Twenty20 format for Mumbai Indians. He needs 28 more runs to become the 2nd player after Rohit Sharma to complete 3000 T20 runs for MI.

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 16:00 IST, 10:30 GMT

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