Matchup:
Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Delhi, 2pm GMT
The Situation:
Both teams are in a precarious situation, needing a miracle to reach the playoffs. DC’s chances are slimmer, requiring a big win and a favorable sequence of other results. Their primary focus might be to end their disappointing season on a high note at home.
LSG has a more realistic shot, but their recent heavy defeats have hurt their net run rate. They need wins in Delhi and Mumbai to reach 16 points, hoping other teams stumble. However, 14 points might not be enough for LSG due to a lower net run rate compared to Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
LSG’s Challenges:
LSG faces a two-pronged challenge in Delhi.
- Slow Batting: They are the second-slowest batting team this season, averaging a mere 8.35 runs per over. They need to adapt to the fastest-scoring venue (11.06 runs per over) in the IPL.
- Bowling Woes: With the fewest wickets taken (57 in 12 innings), LSG’s bowlers need to step up against DC’s explosive batsmen, especially Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Expected Playing 11:
- Delhi Capitals:
- Openers: David Warner, Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Middle Order: Abishek Porel, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs
- All-rounders: Axar Patel, Marcus Stoinis (if they bat first)
- Bowlers: Rasikh Salam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed
- Lucknow Super Giants:
- Openers: KL Rahul (capt & wk), Arshin Kulkarni (if chasing)
- Middle Order: Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni
- All-rounders: Ashton Turner, Krunal Pandya
- Bowlers: Mohsin Khan (if fit), Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur
Key Players:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC): The breakout star with a league-leading boundary percentage and exceptional strike rate.
- KL Rahul (LSG): LSG’s top scorer needs to rediscover his form to lead his team to victory.
Pitch and Conditions:
- High-scoring venue with short boundaries.
- Expect a warm evening with temperatures in the mid-30s.
Last Meeting:
DC won the previous encounter with Kuldeep Yadav taking 3 wickets and Fraser-McGurk scoring a half-century.
Interesting Stats:
- DC has a poor record against left-arm spin, particularly Krunal Pandya, who troubles Rishabh Pant.
- Axar Patel could be a weapon against LSG’s top order (Rahul and Stoinis). However, he needs to be kept away from Nicholas Pooran.