ABOUT THE MATCH:
The time has finally come for the playoffs where the top two teams in the table would be going head to head against each other in Dubai knowing fully well that even if they falter, they have a second chance in terms of Qualifier 2.
While MI has made seamless progress into the playoffs without breaking a sweat, DC on the other hand huffed and puffed their way through to the playoffs by defeating RCB in their last league game. MI has got the better of RCB on both occasions this season, can DC pull out a surprise when they meet for the 3rd time in this years’ IPL?
Here’s our Match Prediction for QUALIFIER 1 where MI takes on DC.
MI demolished DC in their previous outing in the league where they scampered to their target within 15 overs, which made a huge dent on DC’s NRR. This defeat made DC introspect and come up with plans which would help them reach the playoffs, which they eventually did when their senior pros combined to dish out a professional performance to end their losing streak. DC has qualified for the playoffs twice in two years now and they would be desperately wanting to make this year count.
MATCH PREVIEW:
Mumbai Indians:
While there were plenty of talks regarding MI wanting to give their bench a go in the fixture against SRH, but expect no such mercy from them when they enter the field to play the first qualifier. They would be going with their full strength team to bag a spot in the finals.
Rohit Sharma continues to remain sidelined and would expect his team to win it for him. We expect James Pattinson to be back in place of Coulternile, who has flattered to deceive thus far.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard (C), Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, James Pattinson, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Team Report:
MI has a fairly reasonable record in Dubai while they have a team that is customized for all conditions. The majority of their players have played the playoffs and hence pressure won’t matter to them significantly.
Delhi Capitals:
Under Shreyas Iyer, DC has managed to make the playoffs this year too, which is quite significant for a team that hitherto was unknown for its consistency. They won everyone’s hearts in the earlier stages of the league with their fearless play, the fans, and the management would want more of the same from them come the playoffs.
DC would be hoping the injury to their star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t too serious.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI:
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Daniel Sams, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Team Report:
Having qualified for the playoffs, DC would be itching to take on MI in the first qualifier and would like to take the bull by its horns. With Dhawan and Rahane back in form, complemented by the welcome return to form of both Rabada and Nortje, things do look promising for DC heading the first Qualifier.
PITCH REPORT:
Dubai has been one venue that has seen a fine balance between the bat and the ball. The evenly spaced out boundaries have kept the bowlers in the game. Dew has been a factor in recent games, which would make the captains think about chasing but in a high-pressure match, winning the toss and batting has its advantage.
WEATHER CONDITION:
The weather is predicted to be nice and pleasant tomorrow. Wind velocity is expected to be around 18 km/hour. The daytime temperature is going to hit 31° C and the temperature is going to drop to 22° C at night. Humidity is expected to hover around 55%
PROBABLE TOP PERFORMERS:
MUMBAI INDIANS:
Jasprit Bumrah:
Bumrah has been on a roll this IPL and even managed to bag the purple cap once (after the league game against DC). His potency against a youthful DC side could well determine the winner of this contest.
DELHI CAPITALS:
Shreyas Iyer:
One of the most crucial cogs in the DC lineup is their captain Shreyas Iyer. His form has tapered a bit heading into the business end of the tournament but we expect him to make amends by delivering an impact performance in the playoffs.
HEAD TO HEAD:
1. Total Played– 26
2. Mumbai Indians Won– 14
3. Delhi Capitals Won– 12
4. No Result– 0
BROADCAST DETAILS:
1. TV – Star Sports Network
2. Live Streaming – Disney+ Hotstar
3. Match Timings – 5th November 2020 at 07:30 PM IST (06:00 PM local time) (02:00 PM UTC)
PROBABLE WINNING TEAM:
MI is 4-time IPL champions and they would surely play like one during the playoffs stage, with each individual knowing their role in and out, it is a good time to be an MI fan. While DC on the other hand would want to put up a pitch-perfect performance to deliver an unexpected blow to the defending champs.
