Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals: Two matches are scheduled to be held today, as a part of 'Super Saturday' in IPL 2021. The first match would be played between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, who ranks second on the points table. The clash between the two teams would be taking place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 3.30pm onwards. Mumbai have so far played four matches in the second phase of the IPL, being held in the UAE. Out of these four matches, they have lost three. However, after securing a win against Punjab Kings in the last match, Mumbai Indians, under Captain Rohit Sharma's supervision, remains in the playoff race with 10 points. The team will look to improve their position in the points table by securing a win in today's match.
The Delhi Capitals, led by captain Rishabh Pant, have almost qualified for the playoffs with 16 points. However, the team had lost its previous match against KKR in and would try to regain its position by winning against Mumbai Indians.
High expectations from Rohit and Dhawan today:
Mumbai is hoping to making a great start with Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock taking the helm in today's match in Sharjah. Apart from this, Suryakumar Yadav is also scheduled to begin a great innings with this match. A great performance has also been anticipated from him. Mumbai's middle order looks strong with great performers like Saurabh Tiwari and Hardik Pandya. Both of them played a key role in the team's victory by showing brilliant batsmanship in the last match. Apart from this, Kieron Pollard's amazing performance could also prove to be a match winner for the team today. The team also has two good all-rounders, Krunal Pandya and Nathan Coulter Nile.
Shikhar Dhawan would be having the entire responsibility of Delhi Capitals on his shoulders. With 454 runs, Dhawan is currently second in the Purple Cap race. The team expects a spectacular innings from him today. The team may once again have Steve Smith as an opener today. However, if they have to stay in the playing XI, their strike rate will have to be improved further. Delhi's middle order also seems extremely strong with Shreyas Iyer and captain Rishabh Pant taking the helm. Also, Shimron Hetmyer could rise up to the occasion and give a great batting performance if needed.
Spinners from both teams to perform well today:
Sharjah's pitch has often proved to be helpful for spinners. In such a situation, spinners from both teams need to rise up to the occasion. With an amazing trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Lalit Yadav, Delhi's team looks better than Mumbai when it comes to bowling. Apart from this, the team also has world class fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. With his superior bowling abilities, Avesh Khan's performance can also prove crucial for the team.
Mumbai Indians too have good spinners like Rahul Chahar and Krunal Pandya. Jasprit Bumrah has done well for the team, when it comes to fast bowling so far. In addition, Nathan Coulter-Nile also bowled extremely efficiently in the last match. However, fast bowler Trent Boult's form remains a matter of concern for the team, as he has not been able to perform well so far in the second phase of the IPL.
Mumbai Indians' Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Quinton DeKock (Wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwari, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jayant Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
Delhi Capitals Playing XI: Steve Smith, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Lalit Yadav, Akshar Patel, R. Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Avesh Khan.