IPL 2020, Match 51 preview: DC vs MI- Team analysis, along with Fantasy XI

Delhi Capitals are currently placed in the third spot, as they need a win to seal their playoffs spot. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have already confirmed their position in the playoffs, as they would be eyeing to consolidate the top-two phase, for a better chance at playing the final.

First Published Oct 30, 2020, 5:38 PM IST

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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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Predicted XI
DC: 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.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: 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.

Players to watch out
Pant: 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.