Published: Apr 27, 2016, 08:40 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 27, 2016, 09:50 AM (IST)
High on confidence Delhi Daredevils will cross swords with the consistent Gujarat Lions side in Match 23 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 at Delhi on Wednesday. Both the teams have been consistent so far in the tournament with just one defeat to their name. This will be a crucial one for both the teams as they will look to gain momentum and keep up the good run in the matches to come. GL skipper Suresh Raina has rediscovered his mojo with the ball which will be a benefitting factor for the side as he’s a force to reckon in the IPL. For DD, Quinton de Kock will hold the key and they also have a formidable spin attack with Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir in the side. Here are the few key battles on the basis of which the fate of the match will be based on: Full Cricket Scorecard:Delhi Daredevils vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016 Match 23 at Delhi
Quinton de Kock vs Dhawal Kulkarni: De Kock has been one of the most prolific run-scorers for DD and his early wicket will automatically put the opposition in a commanding position. Kulkarni on the other hand looks promising and has done a good job with the new ball. His ability to swing the ball with some serious pace can cause trouble for de Kock at the top. This battle will certainly hold a lot of importance for both the sides. READ: Delhi Daredevils vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016 Match 23 at Delhi: Preview
JP Duminy vs Dwayne Bravo: Duminy’s primary role as a middle-order batsman has been to accelerate the DD innings and finish things off for the side. Bravo has been effective in the death and has been among the wickets. Bravo will look to restrict Duminy from scoring as there is a probability that the elegant South African southpaw will bat in the death overs which is when Bravo is operational.
Shreyas Iyer vs Dale Steyn: Iyer has been out of touch but possesses immense talent and can take the game away from the opposition if he gets going. The Mumbai cricketer will have a challenge to overcome when protean speedster Steyn takes the charge with the new ball. Both the players are looking to make an impact and will give their best in this game if given a chance.
Dwayne Smith vs Zaheer Khan: Smith batted in the top-order in the previous game after Aaron Finch suffered an on field injury. He looked ferocious and took on the bowling attack from the outset. Zaheer on the other hand carries massive experience on his shoulders which he will bring into play against the hard hitting West Indian with the new ball. Smith’s early kill will ease off a lot of pressure from DD’s dugout and their skipper will have to step up in order to get the job done.
Brendon McCullum vs Mohammad Shami: Needless to say the amount of damage McCullum can mete out if he sticks to crease for first few overs. If the pitch assists batting, McCullum has the potential and technique to rip apart any bowling attack. His early dismissal is not less than a boon for any side and the man to get the task done for DD is their strike bowler Shami. He possesses raw pace and good control which will be difficult for McCullum to get away with.
Suresh Raina vs Amit Mishra: Raina’s prowess in T20 is well-known but the valiant Indian southpaw is yet to be seen in his fine touch which he famously displayed in the past. Raina looked good in his last two innings but the pressure of getting in his unique touch will be mounting over his head. Mishra has been bowling with immense guile and has been a key bowler for DD. His stock deliveries and the mystifying googlies will test Raina’s brilliance at Delhi.
(Suraj Choudhari is a reporter with Criclife and CricketCountry. He is an avid follower of the game, and plays the sport at club level. He has a radical understanding about the subtle nuances and intricacies of cricket, and tries to express it through paper and pen.)
