The first match of last double-headers weekend kickstarts at 3:30 today as DC face off MI. A must win match for DC to seal their place in the playoff.
While the Capitals will rely heavily on Dhawan and Rabada, it would be interesting to see if Rohit Sharma leads MI or will Kieron Pollard continues as stand-in skipper.
The two teams have faced each other 25 times in the IPL so far, and MI has dominated the fixture by winning it 13 times.
Last IPL meeting:
MI (165/5 in 19.4 overs) beat DC (162/4 in 20 overs) by 5 wickets.
Current position in the table:
Only 6 matches to go now in the IPL 2020 league stage and the race to the playoffs is becoming intense by the day.
DC (3rd): Delhi currently holds the 3rd position in the points table after bagging 14 points from 12 matches. The side has won 7 matches and lost 5.
MI (1st): MI are the table toppers after 8 wins and 4 losses from 12 matches. Mumbai have confirmed their spot in the playoffs while other teams battle it out for the remaining 3 spots. CSK are officially out of the playoff race.
Delhi Capitals have the toughest fixture in the remaining matches of the group stage. They face table toppers MI today and then RCB. MI have already sealed their spot but will want to be in comfortable position for Qualifier 1 and carry the winning momentum. Delhi are on a 3 streak loss after almost being certain to qualify for the playoffs at one stage. A loss today for DC will heat things up in the playoff’s race.
Shreyas Iyer-led side will know they’ve got a huge hill to climb, and against an in-form MI unit, they will need to bring out their A-game. Anjikya Rahane has not taken the opportunity given to him and is likely to be replaced today. As for MI, they’ve hardly felt the absence of Rohit Sharma, for Ishan Kishan and most recently, Suryakumar Yadav have stepped up and put up a magnificent display with the bat.
Played 12, Points 14, NRR 0.030 (*Remaining matches: vs Mumbai, Royal Challengers)
DC need to win one of two remaining matches to qualify
DC plays two table toppers – RCB, MI – Win one to qualify
Capitals cannot afford another meltdown like the one they had against Sunrisers: if they lose their last two, it is entirely possible that they will be eliminated as two other teams can easily go past their NRR.
Kishan and Suryakumar take Mumbai over the line and help them secure a top two finish, which will also give them a second shot at the finals, in case they lose the qualifier.
