The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached its final double-headers phase. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) would take on defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 51, in Dubai, on Saturday.
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While MI have already sealed their spot in the playoffs, DC would eye a win here to confirm theirs. Furthermore, MI would look to win, to consolidate their place in the top-two. In the same light, we present the match preview.
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Current form: As for their current state, DC are coming off a loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while they are winless in their last three matches. For MI, they won their previous clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
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Team composition: Considering their squad composition, DC have a batting-heavy side, with numerous big names in the department. As for MI, they have their specialisation in the bowling department. Thus, an intense clash is on the cards.
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Head-to-head: To date, both have clashed hard on 25 occasions, with DC winning 12 and MI winning 13. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both have met twice, with both winning a piece. They clashed last in Abu Dhabi this season, where MI won by five wickets.
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Weather and pitch report: With temperature likely to be around 32, it would be relatively more relaxed than other days, with a 47% chance of humidity. As for the pitch, it has become batting-friendly, all of a sudden. A total of 170-plus would be competitive.
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Predicted XIDC: Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tushar Deshpande.MI: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard (c), Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Trent Boult, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.
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Fantasy XIBatsmen: Dhawan (vc), Suryakumar (c)- Dhawan is the ideal opening partner with de Kock, while Suryakumar can provide stability to the middle-order. Both are in decent form and are the vice-captain and captain, respectively.Wicketkeepers: Kishan, de Kock (wk), Pandya- De Kock is in fine opening form and would dominate the top-order, while Kishan can stabilise the middle-order. Meanwhile, Pandya can act as a finisher.All-rounders: Stoinis, Ashwin- Both all-rounders are in a great form of late. While Stoinis can perform in both departments, Ashwin can do the same with his spin bowling.Bowlers: Chahar, Rabada, Nortje, Bumrah- Chahar has been performing well with the spin. However, the pacers are likely to have a way on the tracks of Dubai, as they are performing consistently.
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Players to watch outPant: The wicketkeeper-batsman was in good form a few matches back, before being out for a brief time due to injury. As he is back, fans would expect him to go all guns blazing again.Chahar: Chahar has been making a good impact for the side with his spin. Consequently, it would be interesting to see how he fares on the new-look track of Dubai.
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