Advance by Aayush Puthran
Despite all the chaos, drama and numbers that unfolded in recent weeks, the Indians of Mumbai and the capital cities of Delhi finished as the best teams in the points table, just as they were expected to do in the half of the tournament. But given the way the events unfolded, vulnerabilities were exposed even from the best competing teams. But in Qualifier 1, the stakes are simple: you win and reserve a seat for the final. Although there is a margin of a defeat, it is not a route that any team would like to take.
The Delhi capitals faltered more than the Mumbai Indians on their way to the playoffs. Some players were injured, several suffered a loss of form, and some were unable to adapt well enough to the unpredictable nature of the conditions. After their third defeat, they had argued that there was no need to panic and that attention should be on the process. However, after a fourth loss on the trot, they found the need to make changes in plans and approach. And even as the Capitals ended their win drought, questions remain about the power of their batting lineup and especially the inability of starters to provide solid starts.
The Mumbai Indians had it easier, being able to afford to rest their best fast pitchers in the final league game. Although it was an inconsequential game for them, it remains to be seen if their “worst performance of the season” will have its consequences for the team in a game with a response time of less than 48 hours. Despite its awe-inspiring spectacle this season, Dubai has been the place where MI has been least successful, winning just one of its three games. However, the good news, aside from the fact that both losses were in the Super Overs, is that the only victory was complete against Delhi. In fact, Mumbai is one of only two teams that Delhi has not won a match against this season.
Delhi, after a good start, has struggled with the slow nature of the wicket and the unpredictability about the dew that comes into play has left them clueless of their plans. So much so that they are happier to lose the draw. The inclusion of Daniel Sams, however, helps them cover that aspect with the ball and allows them to throw possibly the best bowling attack in the competition. Like the Mumbai Indians, all of their players have made an impact at some point or another in the tournament, ensuring that the reliance is not too heavy for certain players. However, what remains to be seen is whether they can all appear together that day to ensure a full performance.
When: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, Qualifier 1, Thursday, November 5, 2020, 7:30 PM IST
Where:Dubai International Stadium
What to expect: The Mumbai Indians, even in their losses, have managed to post more than 170 totals on the spot. The slow nature of wicket could put hitters to the test and the question mark over the spray still remains. Although there will not be much wind, the temperature is expected to be around 20 degrees, which should not be a test for the players.
Team news:
Mumbai Indians:Rohit Sharma did not appear to have problems after returning from a hamstring injury in the game against SRH. He should lead the team into the playoffs, where Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya are also likely to return.
Probably XI: Quinton de Kock (week), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile / James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Capitals of Delhi: Even when Daniel Sams proved expensive in death overs, Delhi Capitals reaped the rewards of his presence in the bowling formation. DC is not likely to change and Shimron Hetmyer will remain in the bank.
Probably XI: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (week), Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Daniel Sams, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Did you know
– A victory would give Delhi its first appearance in the final, the only team from the original eight franchises not yet to reach the final.
– Rishabh Pant has reached just three sixes in death (over 16-20) this season, while Kieron Pollard has reached 20 and Hardik Pandya has reached 14
What they say:
“Our bowling line-up is also as good as anyone in the tournament and I think we are the team that nobody really wants to play for because they know that we play well and that we can do some damage. We have won tight matches and that makes a big difference. .“Shane Bond, Bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians.
“We are one of the best teams in the tournament and we have to stick to the basics and if we try to execute our plans, the results will come.“Shreyas Iyer, Captain of Delhi Capitals
Capitals of Delhi Squad: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Sams, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Harshal Patel, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohit Sharma, Alex Carey, Avesh Khan, Praveen Dubey, Sandeep Lamichhane, Keemo Paul, Tushar Deshpande, Lalit Yadav
Mumbai Indians Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Dhawal Kulkarni, Saurabh Tiwary, Aditya Tare , Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai, Nathan Coulter-Nile
