In the 30th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 Delhi Capitals (DC) will be locking horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Capitals have been a team to beat in the ongoing season so far, with five wins in seven games. With a power-packed batting unit and an in-form Kagiso Rabada in their ranks, the DC will be expected to reach the playoffs comfortably.
Although Rishabh Pant’s availability is still up in the air, Delhi also has the experience of has the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane to fall back on. Unlike the Capitals, the Rajasthan had managed to win the last game with a brilliant batting performance by Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia. Despite the morale-boosting win, they sit in the bottom half of the points table with three wins in seven games at the time of writing.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni Smashed 102m Six off T Natarajan In Dubai
The head-to-head match-up between the two sides in the IPL is quite close as well, in 21 games, Rajasthan holds the edge with 11 wins to Delhi’s 10. With the likes of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in the opposing ranks, the Capitals are in for a stern test with two valuable points up for grabs.
All in all, it can be expected to be an entertaining game, with both sides looking to gather momentum towards the back end of the IPL 2020 league stage. As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Steve Smith vs Anrich Nortje
One of the best limited-overs batsmen, Steve Smith will be facing Anrich Nortje and it promises a lot on paper. The RR opener was the highest run-scorer for the team in the game against CSK, so he would be keen to continue the momentum. Smith has an excellent IPL record and on the other hand, Boult has always been a wicket-taker for MI and he will be under pressure to prove his worth.
ALSO READ: Match 30 (DC vs RR) – Probable Playing XIs
Anrich Nortje will be playing the role of a wicket-taker. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for DC in the ongoing season as he has sclaped 8 wickets in 7 games at a strike rate of 21. He will be looking forward to improving the numbers this season for sure.
#2. Marcus Stoinis vs Jofra Archer
The flamboyant all-rounder, Marcus Stoinis is one of the highest run-scorer for DC in the last game against RCB as he had amassed 53 runs off just 26 balls and he has also taken six wickets this season. Stoinis’ battle with Jofra Archer promises to be an enthralling one. Rashis has a knack of taking crucial wickets which will help him disturbing the rhythm of MI. He is one of the best spinners in T20 cricket and Marcus will have to bat at his ferocious best to unsettle the fiery pacer.
#3. Jos Buttler vs Kagiso Rabada
The flamboyant English opener, Jos Buttler played a crucial role in RR’s batting outfit last year. His stunning numbers in 2019 reveal the kind of impact he had on the tournament — 311 runs at a strike rate of 151.70. He would look to carry on from where he left off last year. While he was equally dangerous against pace and spin last year, his battle against fast bowlers on UAE surfaces would be interesting to watch.
ALSO READ: Match 30 (DC vs RR) – Fantasy XI Predictions
The pitches at venues in the Middle-East make shot-making slightly more difficult, which is why someone like Kagiso Rabada might trouble the big-hitting opener. Buttler has the ability to keep things tight and get through his overs quickly. If he can keep the southpaw quiet, it might produce a false shot as the attacking batsman might look to break open.
