Delhi Capitals, Chennai poised to clash for a IPL final berth
Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings will battle it out on Sunday night to see which team goes through to the final of the Indian Premier League 2021.
The Dubai International Stadium will host the first playoff at 7:30 pm (India Time).
Probable playing XI
DC
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Ripal Patel/Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Avesh Khan.
CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf Du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina/Robin Uthappa, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C/WK), DJ Bravo, Josh Hazlewood, Shardul Thakur, and Deepak Chahar.
Expected best batsmen of the day
Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is averaging 44.41 in this edition after a horrible start to his campaign. Despite series of failures in the beginning of the India-leg of the competition, CSK management confided in the 24-year-old which later paid off.
He’s now the fourth highest run-getter with 533 runs in 14 games. Playing in only his second IPL season, the opener has scored a century.
Du Plessis
Faf du Plessis must be gutted to miss out on the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup that will take place two weeks later. The former Proteas skipper is in the form of his life, registering 546 runs in the season already.
His record in the UAE speaks volumes of how well du Plessis can adjust to tricky playing conditions.
His 45.50 average shows how consistent the CSK opener has been when it comes to giving the team good starts in the powerplay.
Shaw
Prithvi Shaw made it big in India, but hasn’t quite gone big in the UAE. But after consistently failing with the bat, Shaw struck 48 runs in the last contest against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
He will look to carry his good form into the playoff.
Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has been in the groove ever since his return from the shoulder injury. The former Delhi skipper has notched 30 to 40 odd runs to steady the team in tricky situations so far.
His partnerships with Hetmayer and Rishabht Pant will be crucial for the Capitals.
Probable best bowlers of the day
Jadeja
Ravi Jadeja’s spells in the middle overs can help Chennai find vital breakthroughs. The left-arm spinner has what it takes to keep the opposition batters on the back foot.
Avesh
Despite letting his team down in the last game by conceding a six on the last ball, Avesh’s contributions throughout the tournament has been the key to DC’s success.
His opening spells have been lethal. Avesh has already picked 22 wickets in the competition and he will be one to look out for the CSK.
Playoff prediction
Both teams are coming off a loss. DC were outplayed by Royal Challengers Bnagalore, while PBKS outfoxed Dhoni’s men.
But CSK have the experience on their side. Dhoni has knack for winning big games and his tactics are unmatched against Pant’s.
Hence, Chennai are likely to book a place in the IPL 2021 final.
