Published: Mar 23, 2019, 05:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 23, 2019, 05:03 PM (IST)
The last time Mumbai played Delhi in the Indian T20 League, the three-time champions, fighting to stay in contention for the Playoffs, fell short by 11 runs, with the already eliminated Delhi spoiling the part for Rohit Sharma and Co. Head-to-head, Delhi have a slender 12-11 lead over Mumbai in the Indian T20 League, and having endured defeats in both matches last season, a wounded Mumbai would want to start their campaign on a high at home. (READ: Hurt Mumbai Indian eager for tunraround)
For Mumbai, there ought to plenty concerns surrounding the workload management for the likes of Rohit, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, three players who are a sure-shot certainty for the World Cup. Individually too, after an underwhelming season last year, all these three players promise to be highly motivated to start Mumbai’s run with a win. Each time Mumbai have started well in a tournament, they’ve made it to the Playoffs. Last year, they lost the first three matches and were left to play catch-up. (READ: Delhi hope for ‘Capital’ gains)
Yet another season, Delhi form a strong team on paper, but replicating it on the field is what poses to be a challenge for a side that’s come under heavy criticism for under-performing. This year though, the composition looks a whole lot better than the previous seasons and the presence of international cricketers in their ranks should pave way for better results. Will Delhi be able to snap their barren run? Or will turn out to be another season of more misses than hits? Sunday marks the beginning.
What: IPL 2019, Match 3: Mumbai vs Delhi
When: March 24, (Sunday)
Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Time: 20:00 IST
Where to Watch: Star Network (in India)
Live Streaming: Hotstar or you can also follow LIVE coverage of the match on CricketCountry.com
Weather: Clear skies but laden with over 50 percent humidity with a maximum of 33 degree
Teams
Mumbai
With Rohit back opening the innings, Quinton de Kock is likely to be his partner at the top, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and allrounder Ben Cutting in the middle order. Kieron Pollard, the Pandya brothers – Krunal and Hardik strengthen the lower middle order, which means that Yuvraj Singh, in all likelihood, would have to sit out. Legspinner Mayank Markande should partner Krunal in the spin department, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell McClenaghan should be the two full-time fast bowling options.
Probable XI: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Ishan Kishan, 5 Ben Cutting, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Mayank Markande, 10 Jaspreet Bumrah, 11 Mitchell McClenaghan
Delhi
With a returning Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw set to open the innings, it gives Delhi the breathing space to likely go ahead with Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant to form a formidable middle order. Axar Patel’s big-hitting skills should make way for a chance with Chris Morris being the second allrounder and Sandeep Lamichhane being the lone specialist spinner. The pace bowling looks second to none with Trent Boult, Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada being the prime contenders.
Probable XI: 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Hanuma Vihari, 4 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Axar Patel, 7 Chris Morris, 8 Trent Boult, 9 Sandeep Lamichhane, 10 Ishant Sharma 11 Kagiso Rabada
Head to Head
Total number of matches played: 23
Delhi: 12
Mumbai: 11
Quotes
“We have been on the road for last three or four years. We have played a lot of back-to-back cricket. It depends on individuals. You should always listen to your body.” – Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma
“I just want to make the best use of it make things right for Delhi Capitals, which people think is impossible at the moment. I want to change that mindset and break the jinx.” – Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals captain
