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The penultimate match of the league stage in the Indian Premier League 2022 has its importance as the fate of the final entrant in the playoffs rests on it. The 69th match of the IPL 2022 will see Delhi Capitals go head to head against the bottom-placed Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
DC have bagged 14 points from 13 matches, having won seven games. Their net run-rate of 0.255 gives them a significant advantage over their other competitors for the fourth spot. They are coming off two back to back victories and the equation for them is pretty simple – win the game or don’t lose by a big margin.
In their most recent fixture, Delhi defeated Punjab Kings by 17 runs. Mitchell Marsh starred with the bat yet again, scoring a crucial 63 off 48 to take the team to a fighting total of 159/7. Delhi spinners choked the Punjab middle order for the second time in the season while Shardul Thakur picked four for 36 to clinch the crucial victory.
MI have had a forgettable season, having been knocked out early after their eight losses on the trot. They have won three games and lost 10 in the season. Having said that, there’s still something to play for Mumbai as they can crash the party.
Their most recent fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad ended up in a three-run heartbreak for them. Bowling first, MI conceded 193/6 with Ramandeep Singh being the pick of the bowlers with three for 20 in three overs. Mumbai openers produced a 95-run partnership but soon they lost their way. Tim David smashed 46 off just 18 balls but his run-out swung the momentum in SRH’s favour.
Key players
David Warner is one of the top three greatest batters in IPL history, having amassed 5876 runs at an average of 42 and strike rate of 141. After the disappointments of the last season, he has produced a stellar season for Delhi Capitals in 2022. The Aussie opener has scored 427 runs from 11 games in the ongoing season at an average of 53 while striking at 152. He has hammered five fifties in the competition and remains a key player in this fixture.
Mitchell Marsh has shown remarkable transformation in T20 cricket in the last year or so. The Australian, who was always a terrific player of pace, has learnt to preserve his wicket against spinners. He has scored 251 runs in seven innings in the ongoing IPL season, averaging 36 and striking at 134. Marsh is coming off two back to back fifties and will look to carry forward his form.
Kuldeep Yadav has been in outstanding form for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2022. The left arm wrist spinner has picked 20 wickets in the season at a strike rate of 13.7, albeit at a high economy of 8.45. Kuldeep has claimed two four-wicket hauls in the tournament, with best figures of 4/14. After a few ordinary games, he returned among wickets in the last game, picking 2 for 14 against Punjab Kings.
Rohit Sharma, for all his exploits in international cricket, has been an underperformer in the IPL in the last several years. The Mumbai Indians skipper has looked in good touch in the ongoing season but has failed to convert the starts. Rohit brought up his highest score of the season in the last game, scoring 48 off 36 balls. MI would hope Rohit finishes the season on high.
Prediction
As far as the overall head to head record is concerned, the two teams are neck and neck with MI winning 16 matches and DC coming out on top in 15 clashes. As for the last five meetings, Delhi lead the scoreline by 3-2.
The Capitals have a pretty good top five in the batting unit, with David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant and Rovman Powell in good form. The possible return of Prithvi Shaw could bolster the side. The bowling department has its issues but the spin twins have done well. Khaleel Ahmed had an off day in the last game but has been superb in the tournament.
Mumbai are trying out new players keeping an eye on the future. There’s a possibility they could rest Jasprit Bumrah, which leaves their bowling attack further weakened. The batting unit has been in form of late, with a lot riding on Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma and Tim David.
Overall, DC look a lot stronger side and should come out on top in this fixture.
