Delhi Capitals have played all their 3 games at the Wankhede in Mumbai. The pitches there have aided stroke-making. DC have won 2 out of their 3 games. They started with a win over CSK, lost to RR, and beat PK. Their batting might helped them overhaul big targets against CSK and PK.

DC have struggled when the pitch has offered something to the bowlers. Their struggles against RR seamers were proof of that point. DC will now be playing a couple of games at the slow Chennai strip. The wicket might prove to be counter-productive for DC’s stroke makers. It will be interesting to note the approach they take to battle the Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians on the other hand have played all their games at the Chepauk, Chennai. They have slowly mastered the art of playing on these slow low wickets. MI ran RCB close in their opening game and then went on to defeat KKR and SRH. The defending champions have notched up 4 points without even playing their best cricket. This is a worrying sign for all the other teams. MI’s bowling attack has arguably been the best in these conditions. They will be overwhelming favourites in the match against DC.

DC vs MI: Favourites?

Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians are neck on neck in the points table. DC and MI both have won 2 games apiece and lost 1 game each. The Delhi team is placed third and MI are fourth on the points table. DC’s wins have come chasing while MI have won both their games defending a score. The only major advantage that MI hold is familiarity with the conditions at Chennai. DC’s stroke makers will find the pitch slightly difficult to score. It is going to be another exciting game in the IPL.

Which players will be match-winners in this game?

Prithvi Shaw loves batting on tracks that are slow and low. If there isn’t any swing early on Shaw will fancy his chances.
Rishabh Pant is adept at playing spin. He will be the key to tackle the likes of Rahul Chahar and Krunal Pandya in the middle overs.
Jayant Yadav has a favourable match-up against Shikhar Dhawan. It will be interesting to see whether MI plays him in this game.

X-factor player:

Marcus Stoinis finally got some runs behind him in the last game. He will be keen to play a vital role at the death for DC.
Suryakumar Yadav has looked like the only batsmen from the MI camp who is capable of scoring quick runs consistently. He is MI’s big X-factor.
Trent Boult has dismissed Shaw 3 times in the last season. He has a great matchup against him.

Probable Playing XI:

Delhi Capitals predicted XI:

Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (&WK), Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, Lalit Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan

Mumbai Indians predicted XI:

Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Trent Boult, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

What do stats say about DC vs MI?

DC and MI have played 28 IPL games against each other.
DC has won 12 matches. MI has won 16 games.
DC’s highest score against MI is 213. MI’s highest score against DC is 218.
DC’s lowest score against MI is 66. MI’s lowest score against DC is 92.

Pitch:

The Chennai pitch has been a challenging one for all the batters. Teams have found it hard to score especially with the older ball. Teams batting first have won the majority of the games in Chennai this season.

Weather Report:

A high of 34 degrees and a low of 28 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might play a big factor and teams will prefer to chase under such weather conditions.

Ground stats:

150 is the average score at this venue.

StumpsandBails verdict:

It is a battle between MI’s might and DC’s daredevilry. MI start overwhelming favourites in this game but expect DC to spring a surprise or two.