In the 51st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Delhi Capitals (DC) will be locking horns with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. After CSK’s last-ball win over KKR, MI became the first team to reach the playoffs, still, the game on Saturday will not be a dead rubber for Mumbai as look to seal a top-two spot that will give them two opportunities to reach the final.
MI’s batting unit does have some in-form batsmen like Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav,w hi are doing phenomenally well in the absence of Rohit Sharma. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah, along with the likes of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, will be key against a star-studded DC batting unit. However, DC will also be looking to seal their playoffs spot. Despite topping the points table for most of the IPL 2020 season, Delhi suffered three consecutive losses.
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Nevertheless, the Capitals look well-equipped to make a strong comeback although their middle-order is failing to score runs. The last time these two teams faced off in IPL 2020, De Kock and Suryakumar Yadav led MI to an emphatic win. With both teams eyeing a top-two finish, we should be in for another entertaining game as the final weekend in IPL 2020 kicks off with this fixture.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Shikhar Dhawan vs Jasprit Bumrah
Shikhar Dhawan has taken it upon himself to deliver the goods for RCB. In 12 matches, Kohli has smashed 471 runs at a strike rate of 147.64. Twice, Virat has crossed the three-figure mark a couple of times, batting in his trademark style. DC opener’s ability to build his innings and go berserk in the death overs is a massive plus for Delhi.
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The MI pacer, Jasprit Bumrah has been able to prove his worth for MI as he scalped 20 wickets in the season so far. Against Dhawan, though, Bumrah will have his task cut out. The DC opener will look to unsettle one of the best bowlers of modern-day cricket.
#2. Kieron Pollard vs Anrich Nortje
The stand-in MI skipper, Kieron pollard has had a below-par tournament thus far by his own high standards but on his day remains a formidable opponent regardless of the format, such is his ability to fashion run-scoring opportunities. Anrich Nortje has been RCB’s go-to man whenever they needed wickets and they will hope he can dismiss the MI skipper early and thus increase their chances of a victory.
#3. Ishan Kishan vs Kagiso Rabada
On Saturday, Kagiso Rabada will come across the might of MI youngster, Ishan Kishan, whose recent inning against CSK has been something else altogether. Rabada has played just every match for DC he has scalped 23 wickets in the 12 matches so far and maintained an economy of 8.13.
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Rabada’s fiery pace will surely be challenged by Kishan, who has so far played 10 games for 322 runs at an insane strike rate of 141.66! He has so far hit 21 sixes and 20 fours in IPL 2020. The last time the two teams met this year, Kishan failed to do much, but this time he will like to change that.
