Mumbai Indians will host Delhi Daredevils in what is expected to be a high scoring match. Both the teams have got some good momentum behind their back as they outplayed their respective opponents in the previous matches that they featured in.
Mumbai Indians has so far looked the best team in the competition along with their neighbors Pune Warriors. Mumbai have won three matches out of the four they have played, and the best thing about their team is that their key players are looking in sublime form.
Delhi Daredevils on the other hand has been boosted after the inclusion of their international stars, Mahela Jayawardene and Kevin Pietersen. Their batting looks very good with their captain being one of the most destructive batsmen of all time.
One thing is for sure, that the spectators will be in for a treat when these two teams will take the field as both the teams have some great talent in their ranks. Let’s have a look at some of the players who will be in the thick of action.
Mumbai Indians:
Sachin Tendulkar: The little master is expected to take the field in this match. Sachin suffered a finger injury in the first match and has been out of action since then. If there is one area where Mumbai is looking week is their opening pair and Sachin can rectify that problem just by playing. Sachin will be itching to play and contribute in his team’s win and his home crowd will be hoping to get a glimpse of this little champion’s batting.
Rohit Sharma: His last ball six against the Deccan Chargers has been one of the highlights of this years’ IPL. Rohit is looking in sublime form but has failed to score a decent score apart from that one innings. He is a dangerous player and can destroy any bowling attack; he has a nick of playing match winning innings now and then and his team will be hoping that he can produce such inning in this match.
Lasith Malinga: His was the over that won Mumbai the match against the Rajasthan Royals. He bowls at the most crucial times and delivers all the time. He is undoubtedly the best bowler in this format and his record speaks for himself. He has lethal Yorkers and some very good slower deliveries. His battle against Virender Sehwag will be great to watch.
Pragyan Ojha: This talented left-arm spinner will have a very crucial role against the right-handed Delhi batsmen. Kevin Pietersen’s history with the left-armers is known to everyone and the Delhi team will be banking on Ojha to come out on top in that battle. He is a big spinner of the ball and has the ability to induce batsmen into playing bad strokes.
Delhi Daredevils:
Virender Sehwag: The captain of the Delhi team looked very good in the last innings that he played. He looks focused as well as determined to prove his point in this years’ IPL. Sehwag is one batsman who can take Malinga on and can disturb his rhythm. If he stays on the pitch for a substantial time then Delhi will have a very good chance of defeating Mumbai.
Kevin Pietersen: The innovative Englishman is looking in great form. He had a very good tour of Sri Lanka and played an important innings for Delhi in his first match. He can manipulate the bowling and plays some very special shots. Pietersen is a very important member of the Delhi batting unit and the Mumbai team will have to get past him if they want to score some points in this match.
Morne Morkel: Morkel is in the race for the purple cap and he has bowled some fiery spells in this season. Morkel is one of the major reasons why Delhi won their two matches. He bowls at a rapid pace and will be looking to make early in-roads in the Mumbai’s batting line-up.
Irfan Pathan: Pathan has bowled well in all the matches for Delhi Daredevils. The best thing about his bowling has been that he has got his swing back and that has made him look very dangerous. With the bat as well he has played some good innings and Delhi will need his all-round skill to come out on top against Mumbai.
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News
