Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings clash in the IPL 2021 playoffs, as they take part in Qualifier 1. With momentum on DC's side, can it topple CSK to books its final berth?
It is expected to be an enthraling clash, as Delhi Capitals (DC) takes on former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 playoffs at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The momentum happens to be on DC's side, as it would look to tame CSK and book its place in the final while we present the match preview.
Current form
DC has finished atop the table, with ten wins from 14 matches, while it lost its last game to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). As for CSK, it is ranked second with nine wins, while it is on a three-match losing streak.
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Team composition
As for the teams, CSK is heavily loaded in its bowling. For its batting, it has been excellent. Although losing three games in a row might make the side problematic, there is no real reason for it. Meanwhile, the focus would be on top players like Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, and skipper MS Dhoni.
For DC, it has is evenly balanced and has equally distributed star players in every department, as it is one of the most symmetrical sides of the competition. Indeed, it would be the team to beat, and CSK has some homework to do.
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Injury concerns: None of the sides has any injury concerns.
Head-to-head
The two sides have clashed on 25 instances, with CSK having a lead of 15-10. In the four United Arab Emirates (UAE) rendezvous, DC has a charge of 3-1, while the two meetings in Dubai have seen DC triumph.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Dubai would be partly cloudy and cooking, with an expected warmth of 37 degrees and 57% humidity. The track might play slow, while the side winning the toss could look to chase, citing some dew factor.
Probable XI
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ripal Patel, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel/Lalit Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin/Tom Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje.
CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood.
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Fantasy XI
Batters: Dhawan (vc), du Plessis (c), Shaw, Gaikwad- The four batters are in top form and would dominate the top-order, while wither one can accommodate himself at number four. Dhawan and du Plessis's consistency makes them the deputy and skipper, respectively.
Wicketkeeper: Pant- He is the only man in form in this department.
All-rounders: Jadeja, Moeen, Lalit- While Jadeja dominates in both departments, Moeen is doing the same with the bat, followed by Lalit with the ball.
Bowlers: Avesh, Thakur, Tom- Avesh and Thakur have been deadly with their pace, while Tom would be looking to contribute some of his own.
Match details
Date and day: October 10, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar