RCB face uphill task

Bangalore outfit to take on Delhi Daredevils

The Bangalore outfit, who are at the sixth spot in the table with 12 points from as many matches, have everything to play for as a loss would undoubtedly throw them out of the semifinal race.

Delhi, on the other hand, are sitting pretty at the top having already qualified for the semifinals with 18 points out of 12 matches and will be hoping to carry forward their winning momentum to the last four stage.

Anil Kumble’s men have a shot at closing in on a semifinal berth and also chance at avenging their humiliating six-wicket loss against the Daredevils when the teams faced off last.

Although the Bangalore oufit are on a high after their last match win over second placed Chennai Super Kings, they would need something spectacular to halt a consistent Delhi, which boasts of innumerable match-winners.

AB de Villiers has been the pillar of Delhi batting, while Tilakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Kaarthick provide the much neded fire power in the middle-order.

However, what remains a matter of concern for the Daredevils is the form of skipper Virender Sehwag and opener Gautam Gambhir.

With a rejuvenated Asish Nehra and Dirk Nannes up front, Delhi’s bowling has been more than impressive.

Young Pradeep Sangwan has been consistent throughout picking up crucial wickets, while Amit Mishra provides the sting in Delhi’s spin department.

In contrast, Bangalore does not have equal riches at their disposal and it would take quite an effort to upset Delhi.

Bangalore’s top order has been pretty inconsistent, with Jacques Kallis playing well in patches, while both Jesse Ryder and Robin Uthappa have been a big dissapointment. Overall, it has been a pretty slipshod display by their batters, but Ross Taylor’s return to form would please Kumble, who would be expecting the Kiwi to come good again.
Although Bangalore’s bowling has looked quite mundane, Kumble and Co would take heart from the fact that they managed to restrict Chennai Super Kings to mere 129 in their last encounter.

Kumble would be expecting a similar show from his bowlers against Delhi to brighten their winning chances.