In the 34the match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 Delhi Capitals (DC) will be facing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Sharjah on Saturday. The second game on a double-header features a solid DC team, who currently stands at the second position at the points table. While their batsmen have been doing well, it has been their bowling attack and especially the duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje that have led them to the top.
However, they will need the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw to contribute more, especially with the race for the top four spots intensifying with each passing game. On the other hand, CSK has got some much-needed impetus with the change in their batting approach. With the duo of Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson also finding form against SRH, CSK will be bullish about their chances in this fixture. A
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The reverse fixture between the two teams in IPL 2020 saw DC beat CSK by a huge margin of 44 runs in Dubai. However, CSK holds the edge in the overall head-to-head scenario with fourteen wins compared to Delhi’s seven.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Faf du Plessis vs Anrich Nortje
One of the best limited-overs batsmen, Faf du Plessis will be facing Anrich Nortje and it promises a lot on paper. The CSK opener was the highest run-scorer for the team in the game against CSK, so he would be keen to continue the momentum. Faf has an excellent IPL record and on the other hand, Nortje has always been a wicket-taker for DC and he will be under pressure to prove his worth.
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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 10 wickets in 8 games at a strike rate of 19.2. He will be looking forward to improving the numbers this season for sure.
#2. Marcus Stoinis vs Shardul Thakur
The flamboyant all-rounder, Marcus Stoinis is one of the highest run-scorer for DC in the 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 Shardul Thakur promises to be an enthralling one. The latter has a knack for taking crucial wickets which will help him disturbing the rhythm of DC. He has emerged as one of the best bowlers for CSK this season and Marcus will have to bat at his ferocious best to unsettle the fiery pacer.
#3. Shane Watson vs Kagiso Rabada
Shane Watson played a crucial role in CSK’s batting outfit last year. His stunning numbers in 2019 reveal the kind of impact he had on the tournament — 398 runs at a strike rate of 127.56. 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.
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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.
